“But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.” - Job 32:8 (NKJV) One of the mysteries about the deep things of God is that maturity is measured by wisdom and not by age. Being advanced in age does not always amount to being mature in speech or in conduct. …
“But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.”
- Job 32:8 (NKJV)
One of the mysteries about the deep things of God is that maturity is measured by wisdom and not by age.
Being advanced in age does not always amount to being mature in speech or in conduct. Experience alone does not guarantee understanding. Job 32:8 reminds us that true understanding comes from the breath of the Almighty. Wisdom is, therefore, first spiritual before it is chronological.
Elihu, though the youngest of Jobs friends exemplified this mystery in Job 32. Ordinarily, age should speak, and the multitude of years should teach wisdom (verse 7), but divine wisdom is not a function of years. Even the young, when they speak the Word (the ancient wisdom of God), they can be perceived as mature.
This aligns with scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. The wisdom of God was ordained before the ages. It is older than time itself. Therefore, when that eternal wisdom is revealed to a believer, that person begins to speak and act beyond their natural and chronological understanding.
Maturity (spiritual maturity) is measured by how aligned we are with God’s wisdom.
Experience alone does not guarantee understanding.
We may have lived many years, yet still respond with fear, pride, or impulse. On the other hand, a younger believer filled with divine wisdom responds with patience, discernment, and restraint. Why? Because maturity flows from revelation.
The Wisdom of God changes behavior. It affects speech. It shapes decisions. It governs conduct.
In 1st Samuel 18:14, the Bible says David “behaved himself wisely”. His actions reflected divine understanding. His maturity was not merely in years, but in wisdom guiding his conduct.
As we grow in Christ, our goal is not simply to accrue years or grow older in faith, but to grow wiser in faith. We must seek the Spirit that gives understanding. We must hunger for the revelational knowledge of the Word of God, that gives understanding and allows us to operate in wisdom.
Today, we ask not merely for more time, but for more wisdom. Because true maturity is measured by how much of God’s ancient wisdom governs our present life.
Song
Ancient Word, ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
So let the ancient words impart.
Prayer – Father, breathe upon us and give us understanding. Deliver us from measuring maturity by age alone. Fill us with Your wisdom so that our words and actions reflect Your Spirit. Make us mature in Christ through divine revelation. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Bible in 1 year: Psalms 18-19
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