Topical Bible: Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age

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The concept of the maturation of human intellect through age is a theme that finds resonance throughout the Scriptures. The Bible acknowledges the development of wisdom and understanding as a process that often accompanies the passage of time and the accumulation of life experiences.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently associates age with wisdom and understanding. In the book of Job, we find a clear articulation of this idea: "Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life" (Job 12:12). This verse underscores the belief that the passage of years brings with it a depth of insight and discernment that is not typically present in youth.

The Role of Experience

Experience is a key factor in the maturation of intellect. The book of Proverbs, a rich source of wisdom literature, often highlights the value of learning from life's experiences. Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness" . Here, the imagery of gray hair symbolizes the honor and respect due to those who have lived long and righteous lives, suggesting that their accumulated experiences have contributed to their intellectual and spiritual maturity.

The Example of Biblical Figures

Several biblical figures exemplify the maturation of intellect with age. Moses, for instance, spent forty years in the wilderness before leading the Israelites out of Egypt, a period during which he gained the wisdom and leadership skills necessary for his monumental task. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, after his conversion, spent years in preparation and reflection before embarking on his missionary journeys, indicating a period of intellectual and spiritual growth.

The Value of Counsel from the Aged

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from those who are older and presumably wiser. In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, is advised by the elders to serve the people and speak kindly to them. However, he rejects their counsel in favor of the advice of his peers, leading to disastrous consequences. This narrative illustrates the value placed on the wisdom of the aged and the potential folly of disregarding it.

The Limitations of Youth

While the Bible does not dismiss the potential for wisdom in youth, it often contrasts the impulsiveness and inexperience of youth with the steadiness and insight of age. Ecclesiastes 11:9 advises young people to enjoy their youth but also reminds them of the accountability that comes with their actions: "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment" .

The Role of Divine Wisdom

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that true wisdom and understanding come from God. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This divine wisdom is available to individuals of all ages, but it often finds fuller expression in those who have matured through years of faithful living and learning.

In summary, the Scriptures present a view of human intellect that is enriched and matured by age, experience, and a life lived in pursuit of divine wisdom. The Bible honors the aged for their potential to offer valuable insights and guidance, recognizing that the journey of life itself is a profound teacher.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
... art, the brilliance of wealth, or the force of intellect! ... it is a weariness to the
natural man to serve ... their noble toil, whether they are matured saints, or ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ii religion a weariness.htm

Preface.
... Its office is not to exercise the intellect, but to ... and stereotyped by the ingenuity
of man, to which he ... which pervades it, reveals a soul matured and mellowed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/preface.htm

Home as a Nursery.
... Such mutilations are impediments to the growth of the intellect. ... The full-grown man
is the matured child morally as well as physically and intellectually. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiii home as a.htm

Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... and will rather than in the reason and intellect, and wilful ... him who proclaimed himself
the Son of Man, as well ... to Antioch and Rome, and as it matured in the ...
/.../section 102 concluding reflections faith.htm

Chapter xlix
... We know of two possibilities: first, man's intellect may grow ... also "cruel." Apparently,
Jacob spared no man's feelings ... the freshness of his just matured strength ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Founder of Christianity.
... in a matter so momentous, and with an intellect in all ... men, and I tell you, Christ
was not a man. ... A hypothesis was scarcely matured before another was invented ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 15 the founder of.htm

Theory of Book I.
... to spiritual truths and influences than the average intellect. ... to the proof of a
man's designation for ... qualifications; not, of course, as matured and perfected ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jackson/the message and the man/theory of book i.htm

Home-Education.
... The character of the mind in the man will indicate ... pious care, the dawning light
Of infant intellect to know ... Wait not until they are matured in rebellion, and ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

The English-Speaking Peoples: Action and Reaction
... It was the matured result of the reflections of a quarter of a century, spent partly
in enforced retirement after 1831. ... 'Man's energy of intellect must be ...
/.../chapter vi the english-speaking peoples .htm

Introductory Essay.
... devoted nearly thirty years of his matured life to ... an image of the Trinity exists
in man's nature, Augustin is ... Before such a contemplative intellect as that of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the holy trinity/introductory essay.htm