Wisdom of the elderly

   Just as with any other book, Proverbs starts with an introduction specifically its purpose, nature, and goal of the book. It serves as a road map on how to approach it. In "The Testimony of Poets and Sages" Bellinger states that the book's content is not explicitly theological but the context must be rooted in God which can be referenced in verse 7 of the first chapter, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge... - Prov. 1:7” Right after that line I found it surprising that Proverbs jumps into parents' wisdom. Instead of maybe expounding more of the definition of wisdom or the reason for wisdom or an enumerated list of the content of the succeeding chapters the parents come into play.

“Listen, my son, to your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching" - Prov. 1:8

   This discovery caught my attention so I asked myself, “Why”? It led me into thinking that the culture before in the ancient near east is to pass the wisdom to the next generation. The elderly talk and teach the young ones. Maybe that's the reason why.

   The following verse is quite interesting. “for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck – Prov. 1:9”. It shows reason or the benefit of acquiring wisdom through listening to the parents. The objects used as the imagery for beauty, the garland, and the pendant. Those accessories in your head and neck make one beautiful. But contrary to the public today this society worships youth as Morrie says. You are more attractive if you are young. The focus is the physical appearance. Nothing has been said about the pursuit of wisdom or spiritual growth. I like it when Morrie said in the film, “So how come nobody ever says, 'Gee, I wish I were old'?”

   Proverbs 1:8 is timeless and still applies today. Ever since I moved here to Calgary where it snowed significantly compared to Vancouver and bought a brand new car my father instructed me to at least start the engine if I don't use it for a longer period of time especially during the winter seasons. I nodded, and just say “yes”. But I didn't fully pay attention. In the first winter of my car I haven't used it for a few days then for the next day, I was able to start it. I, therefore, concluded that “it's okay”. My car was brand new it has more power. The second winter, I let it rest, and was able to start again. I'm starting to convince myself I could just ignore my father's instruction. Then recently just now, 2 weeks ago, I tried starting the engine in my car which was in the backyard, and then the uneventful thing happened. It didn't start. And again I encountered the famous SEE-I-TOLD-YOU-SO expression from my parents. I guess I didn't apply the succeeding verse, “Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.. ” - Prov. 6:21. As soon as I found out that it wasn't starting. I knew I didn't bind his instruction in my heart, I didn't fasten it around my neck. Upon repetition of 1:8 to 6:20 the commands and teachings have not been presented as an advantage or benefits rather the writer gives more instruction. He became assertive on what to do on the next steps. He says, “Bind them! Fasten them!” 

   Growing up my mom keeps on telling me not to use my bare hands on pushing the garbage to maximize the space. She told me to use a stick or anything to push it. Lo, and behold last Saturday, I did again and my right hand encountered a can and cut my finger, it bled. It makes sense why the writer didn't stop giving more assertive crucial steps to follow but expanded the role of the parents' teaching in our lives in the succeeding verse.

“When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you, when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to live” - Prov. 20:22.

  Truly we can't ignore the wisdom of not just our parents but the elderly people in our lives. Their experience and accumulated lessons in life are still applicable in our modern era today. It will guide us. It will watch over us. Their words are the way to live.