Wisdom

An elder statesman of a community recently assumed that he had the right to counsel and admonish a young emerging leader.  Given the number times that he has step unchallenged into this role, it is easy to see how he and others could assume what they did.  The reaction of the young leader and his supporters told everyone that nobody should ever make that kind of assumption again.  Some commentators noted that there were and are generational gaps.  Yet, as I reflect on the situation, I think it goes much deeper than that.
The elder statesman was not the first to make this kind of assumption.  Centuries ago a young emerging Pharaoh of Egypt made the same kind of assumption.  His actions went beyond simple words.  “When he was forty years old, he [Moses] wondered how everything was going with his Hebrew kin and went out to look things over.  He saw an Egyptian abusing one of them and stepped in, avenging his underdog brother by knocking the Egyptian flat.” (Acts 7.23, 24)
The questions of giving counsel, mentoring, or even pressing one's views extends through every community.  As I look at various God models, let me suggest the following.
First, give advice where and when you have earned the privilege.  Imparting wisdom is a gift that is rarely received without mutual trust.  Interceding may not be the best option.
Second, advice is guidance, mentoring is about assisting others to see their path, sharing one's views means that others have the freedom to reject your perspective.  The goal is to freely share truth and wisdom.  It should never been about dictating a destination.
Third, choose your words and actions carefully.  Whatever one is trying to share only has context, meaning, and use in the life of the listener.  Being eloquent and not understood is not helpful to either party.
Above all, with each step be prepared to learn.  Those giving away wisdom often find that they have greater wisdom within with the steps that student and teacher take together.  Wisdom is a sacred trust we hold.