Experience Gains Wisdom

 "Then I said, wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard." Eccl. 9:16

We are told that the aged among us are treasure troves of wisdom. That by virtue of their having survived through life they have much to offer us. This is all true. Until that wise man tells you something that calls into question what you think is the better tactic.

When we are young we tend to be more dogmatic and high on ourselves. We think that we know what is best. We think that we can fix anything or anyone. And we dive right in with no thought to whether we are causing more harm than good.

Christian young people can be the worst. We hear sermons and we think that we rule over everything. It is only when you have failed or fallen short that you begin to think that maybe my way wasn't the best way.

It is only by living and surviving that you gain wisdom. God does not allow you to win every time. It is too bad that, as the text states, the poor or unsuccessful man's wisdom is often despised. And even by being despised the poor man gains more wisdom!