Gold Mines of a People

"Better is wisdom, than weapons of war: and he that shall offend in one, shall lose many good things." (Ecclesiastes 9:18 Douay-Rheims Bible)

There are many opportunities to gain knowledge and wisdom: the greatest weapons in handling life. One gold mine you can tap is the experience of the elderly who may be around you. Give them some of your time and appreciation. Look past the wrinkles and the bent body, their minds have a lot to offer in terms of life principles which are unchanging even where they are dressed in new sophisticated language. This window of opportunity may not be there for a long time and many with real gems of knowledge will never have their autobiographies written because they are not famous.

When we offer love and understanding to others, it is not just a one way process where they gain, you learn a lot about handling likely pitfalls in life, so that it will be possible to enjoy an old age without  too many regrets. “They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten”. Jeremiah 50:5

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A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture. ~ Abraham J. Heschel

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