None of us are getting any younger. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true!

Despite what our culture might tell you, aging in and of itself is not a bad thing. It’s a part of life. It may be difficult, but it’s not a disaster, and it can even be a blessing to others. 

What I’m about to say is hopefully a word of encouragement to those who are getting “up there,” and also a word of instruction to those who are a bit younger.

Proverbs 16:31 says this: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”

I love that proverb. And when I mention it to others, they start to love it too (especially if they have gray hair)! 

Yes, gray hair is a crown of splendour. That’s important to remember, especially in a culture which idolizes youth. Generally speaking, the way North American culture looks down on the views of the elderly is a coast-to-coast shame. In God’s eyes, gray hair is a crown of splendour. 

Next, the proverb says “it is attained in the way of righteousness.” This tells us that the context of the proverb is faith; it is trying to live in a way that is right before God and others. When we do that, the gray hair on someone’s head can be considered a crown. In the ancient world, a crown was a sign of victory!

Here’s what we need to remember, no matter how old or young we are. Aging faithfully is glorious. Plus, God can use you wisdom and experience to bless others. You’ve seen things. You’ve had highs and you’ve had lows. You have fallen on your face. And you know what it takes to get back on the horse. Others have fallen away from the Lord, but you’ve kept worshiping and serving. You’ve loved others even when it was hard. You’ve received counsel from mentors, and you’ve shared your own hard-fought wisdom with others on the path. You’ve prayed so hard you thought your knees would give out.

In the eyes of God, aging faithfully is glorious. If you’ve got gray hair, be confident in that. If you’re a bit younger, keep that in mind when the culture around you says that older people have nothing valuable to say.

God can and does use the wisdom and experience of his people to bless others.

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.