No matter how long you’ve been at this thing called life, it’s wise to turn to older people for advice. I know I feel more comfortable about making big decisions if I first talk to my dad and my father-in-law about them. When they confirm my fears or affirm my decisions about something, I feel I’m on solid ground.

Moses was no spring chicken when he got some much-needed advice from his father-in-law Jethro. He observed that Moses was about to suffer burnout if he continued to try to do all the work of judging for the children of Israel by himself. So he told Moses, “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Ex. 18:18). Moses could easily have said, “Look, Dad, I’m in charge here. I know what I’m doing. After all, I’ve been around for a while, and I’ve gained a little wisdom too.” Instead, he listened carefully and divided the work just as Jethro suggested. As a result, things went more smoothly, and the work got done more efficiently.

In God’s design of things, He has provided for each of us a powerful, wise resource in the older people in our lives. Let’s never neglect their insight and good advice. We can learn from the wisdom of age.

  — Dave Branon