The longer I continue to read and study Proverbs, the more my heart is amazed at the wondrous economy of wisdom the Spirit has packed into phrases like this in Prov. 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.”

So, young men, yes, you can do exploits, good for you – but can you endure?

It is one thing to consider “look at what I can do!” It is the pride of the young, both emotionally and spiritually. But it is a far different thing to look back and say, “this is where the Lord took me. This is where He delivered me. This is where He met me, kept me, where He prevented me from following my own path.”

Youth reflects upon itself in the immediate. Age reflects upon the Lord and how that gray hair is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

This is why Paul argues so vehemently against taking pride in spiritual gifts. It puts the spotlight upon “look what I can do” instead of upon “Look what He has done!”

May we grow wise enough in our youth to turn our eyes toward the glory of the God who made, us, keeps us, empowers us and promises us the unimaginable in Christ. To be more enamored with Him, rather than what He might have decided to gift us with, or do through us.

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, 2016, p. Ps 115:1.