On the Relative Duties of the Aged and the Young
J. Hewlett, B.D. Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. We contemplate the aged with sentiments that might be profitable to us, and that are likely to make some impression on the heart. But we cannot consider the "hoary head a crown of glory" unless it be stored with that wisdom which time and reflection are hourly instilling into the mind, in order to wean us from the world, and prepare us for heaven. A young person has reason to expect from the aged information. They have long sojourned in the land of discipline. To the aged the young apply, as to experienced travellers, that can direct their course through stormy seas or perplexing wilds. The aged cannot acquit themselves of negligence and folly if it should appear that they are unable to warn youth of unexpected dangers, and to point out the path that leads to safety. Life has been of little advantage to him who derives no wisdom from its variety, and no virtue from its trials. It is a man's duty to become practically wise, through a right use of the experiences of life. It should be the care of the aged to communicate to the young only that which is good. Too often they only inculcate a sort of worldly prudence, and selfish kind of knowledge, which chokes the seed of every growing virtue, and disqualifies the child of immortality for heaven. Another moral excellence, which it is the duty of the aged to acquire, is a proper regulation of the passions. Time, and often-repeated experience of sorrow, will often accomplish, in this respect, what reason and religion have attempted in vain. The experience of life should produce settled habits of virtue; it should establish some determined pursuit of good; it should show that life has not been squandered away without improvement. From a proper regulation of the passions would arise that complacent dignity, which is the characteristic of true greatness; and that charity and humility, that mildness and forbearance, which are the ornaments of true religion. It is so ordered by the wisdom of Providence, that the most effectual means of good should, by the perversion of sin, become the most dangerous instruments of evil. There is nothing more pernicious to the morals of youth, or so likely to spread depravity through the different orders of society, as a vicious old man. A number of minor vices and imperfections of character often deprive the aged of honour, and prevent them from being extensively useful. There is sometimes a severity in their conversation, and a moroseness in their disposition, which spoil their influence on the young. Age should be averse to violence and disorder of every kind. The tempests of the mind should be no more; neither the emotions of anger, the murmurings of discontent, nor the bitterness of wrath, should disturb the calm evening of our days. The aged should avoid that querulousness and discontent which they are so often apt to indulge. The religion which administers comfort in age must be cultivated in the days of our youth. It is a mockery of devotion to serve that great and gracious God in the moment of fear only who requires that His service should be perfect freedom. (J. Hewlett, B.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. WEB: Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.