Walk With Wise Men

by M.A. Jones, Cardiff | Category: General | Aug 1970

A study of present world conditions reveals a steadily widening gulf between young and old. This trend is not confined to the world for prevailing conditions have their impact on the people of God. This is not really a new problem. The Preacher said, "Is there a thing whereof men say, See this is new? it hath been already, in the ages before us" (Ecclesiastes 1.10). Socrates the Greek philosopher is credited with saying, five years before Christ was born, that the young in his day were "contemptuous of authority, terrorizing their teachers, and disobedient to parents". Elihu, a young man, firmly proposed that "it is not the great that are wise, nor the aged that understand judgement" (Job 32.9). Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, but with disastrous results.

What saith the Scriptures? Both young and old disciples, who desire wholeheartedly to give effect in their life to the claims of Christ, turn to the Bible for guidance in such matters. No other influence should take precedence on this all-important subject. Job, a man of rich experience and understanding tempered by the fires of suffering, said, "With aged men is wisdom, and in length of days understanding" (Job 12.12). Wisdom is knowledge rightly applied-knowledge tempered by experience. But Job's statement needs qualifying. Older and mature men are invaluable in the service of God but there is also a place for youth and vigour. It is important to hold a right balance. Under the law the divine assessment of a man's value in the service of God (Leviticus 27.3-7) was fifty shekels between the ages of twenty and sixty, so blending youth and maturity. Men served together in the service of God between these ages.

Moses had a young man linked with him in service whose progress demonstrates the truth of the words, "Walk with wise men and thou shalt be wise". Notice the eagerness of the young man Joshua to seek the company of this outstanding leader referred to as the meekest man upon the face of the earth at that time: "his minister (servant) Joshua ... departed not out of the Tent" (Exodus 33.11). "The LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend". Wonderful words I Are older men thus seeking the company of the Lord, and do younger men see this and desire their companionship? If this is lacking mutual confidence will suffer.

Young men aspiring to the service of God will be tested. Elijah before his departure tested the metal of the young man Elisha who was so desirous of his company and wished for a double portion of his spirit. On three occasions Elisha refused to leave Elijah although pressed by him to do so (2 Kings 2.6).

In the New Testament writings we find that the blending of maturity and youth is a prominent feature in divine service. Paul and Timothy provide an example of this. Paul wrote, "Ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel" (Philippians 2.22). Again, "I have no man likeminded (twin-souled)", a wonderful combination of maturity and youth! Sisters, too, may benefit by a combination of maturity and youth. Paul writing to Titus of the things which befit the sound doctrine gave the instruction, "That aged woman likewise be reverent in demeanour, ... teachers of that which is good; that they may train the young women" (Titus 2.1-4).

For the solution of the problem posed at the beginning of this paper we have indicated what the Scriptures say about it. We have pointed out the pathway for our feet, but the vital question is, Are we prepared to walk this pathway or shall we delude ourselves by being hearers of the Word only and not doers? (see James 1.22). Soon the Lord will come; soon the whole pattern of my life and yours will come under review, and rewards will be given or losses sustained by each one of us. Let us, young and old, seek each other's company and delight therein. Not segregation but co-operation should be our aim. Let us all follow on to know the Lord, blending age and maturity with youthfulness and vigour, so giving to each of our lives a fulness which will enhance the house of God. "Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise: but the companion of fools shall smart for it" (Proverbs 13.20).

M.A. Jones, Cardiff | Aug 1970
General