Gray Hair is the Splendor of the Wise

         I have an amazing husband who loves me for who I am. He sees beauty in me where I really don’t see it. One thing that always makes me laugh, is when I look in the mirror and see all my gray hair (yes, at 22 I am going very gray) I sigh and shake my head. Noah very promptly replies “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31) I say”yes, but that is talking about OLD PEOPLE!!!” And we share a good laugh about it. 

But As I really look at that proverb it stood out to me how our society has changed their view of old people. They don’t view them as people who have lived meaningful, fulfilled, righteous lives who have wisdom to share. They view them as people who can’t take care of themselves, who should give up their driver’s license so they can stop inconveniencing the world. Once older people had the respect of the young, now it seems they have their contempt. And this saddens me.

I think it is so crazy how just a few years changes whole societies! Some cultures due to their heightened view and practice of traditions have kept their cultures from losing the key elements of their foundation. The Japanese culture for example still has a foundation of respect throughout their society. I think because the USA has this new trend of “tolerance” and “relevance” disrespect is the new normal. Just because something is normal, does not mean it is right. The Bible talks a lot about respect for the old, respect for husbands, respect for parents, and woman with good character etc. Here are just some key verses.

“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Lv 19:32

“Now we ask you brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” 1 Thes 5:12-13

I think this is only a symptom of something much more devastating in society. Not only are the old being disrespected but parents, women, men, bosses, Presidents etc.  There is an epidemic of disrespect. There is a saying “To get respect you have to give it”. Which I can understand, but this is still a very egocentric saying. Why can’t we just give without expecting anything in return? Why can’t we just give respect instead of constantly expecting it for ourselves? The answer is, we are selfish. We need God’s grace to transform our selfishness into His likeness. Also part of this remedy is faithful parents. Without parents training the next generation to be selfless givers instead of selfish takers, people resort to human nature. Once upon a time parents trained their children, instilled principles, and taught them how to be obedient. Today parents don’t want to influence their kids, they want their children to have choices in what they should learn and not, they want to culture their child’s opinion. But how can a child make the right decision without the right instruction!? If a child is taught correctly they will have correct opinions and will make good decisions, but this is learned behavior not innate.  

We also lead by example. Respect is a beautiful thing. We all would like to feel respected but more importantly we need to be respectful of the people around us, the old especially. There is something beautiful about a person showing respect for our American flag. Why is that? Because it is rare and precious, showing a high regard and reverence for something greater than yourself. In the same way acts of respect are moments of beauty in our society. Everyone can create beautiful moments we just have to look beyond ourselves and start living respectfully.