Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
Proverbs 16:31
Observation: This proverb is a call for wisdom from the elders. Those who have reached old age have ideally found peace, as a result of their walk with the Lord, and now have wisdom to impart on others. In this way, their gray hair is a sign of that status.
Application: I always assumed I would go very gray, as that is natural in my family. My paternal grandfather, my dad, and his brother all went pure white-gray in their 50s, and I am well on my way ... at the current rate, I would expect to have my hair color be officially "white" before I'm 60.
But have I gained wisdom? I am wiser than when I was young, and that wisdom has been earned through years of experience (including stresses caused by mistakes), but I would not say I am yet worthy of a "crown of glory". I desire to be a wise man within my community so that I may serve others with wisdom, but I know I am not nearly there yet from the perspective of God's wisdom.
That is a gift I would like from the Holy Spirit ... wisdom. Not Solomon-like wisdom to lead, but God's words of wisdom that I may bless others with kind and true advice. Not advice based on my knowledge, but based on the Lord's will and vision and precepts and love.
With that, I could then look in the mirror and see my gray hair as a reminder of the Lord's goodness in my life ... and perhaps that I have matured to experience a righteous life myself.
Prayer: Lord, I know I have been slow to learn, yet I have not remained where I was when I was so young, angry, reckless, and naive. I thank you for your Spirit who has guided the maturity I have. I desire more of that Spirit. Please give me a heart more worthy to be a home for your Holy Spirit, and may I have wisdom to serve my family, my friends, my coworkers, my community, and your people in Christ. Amen.
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