THERE is a story in the Old Testament about a man called Rehoboam who became king of Israel upon the death of his father, the great King Solomon. The new king needed some counsel about how to rule.

He first went to some older, experienced advisers who gave him advice. He then went to some younger, less experienced men, who gave him conflicting advice. He listened to the young men and, as a result, 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel rose up in rebellion and the nation was split in enmity for hundreds of years.

The Bible tells us that, “grey hair is a crown of glory” (Proverbs 16:31).

Age does not necessarily confer wisdom, but the Bible tells us that a society that knows what is best for itself will hold its elderly population in high esteem.

Ok, so I am 64 and one could justly say I have a vested interest here! But in a culture that focuses so much on youth and beauty, we should be mindful of the importance God places on how we regard our mums and dads, grandmas and grandads.