the Bronze Rule
Wisdom
Wisdom
Always listen to your parents, grandparents, coaches, teachers, elders. Ask yourself "is it better to be thought of as correct, or to be thought of as respectful?" While sometimes it may seem unfair or mean, you should always do what your parent's say. Many believe that respect is a two way street. Unfortunately that means they will never respect you until you show them the respect they think they deserve. To these people even the slightest hint at disobedience means disrespect. But the Golden Rule is strong. Knowing what these people want - knowing what you would want if in their shoes - you should respect their wishes, guidance, and commands. As you do, they will undoubtedly see you as an obedient, trustworthy person; someone who deserves a break every now and then.
Plus, this can reduce yelling, in some cases.
But is that it? Do what the adults say even if they're rude, disrespectful, mean, or even cruel? Just because of some dumb rule you found on the internet?
The beauty of the Rules lie in their simplicity. If you live by the Rules you will not only become a kinder, more respectful person, but you will also gain more kindness and respect. And by simply listening to your elders - whether they are commanding you, scolding you, or telling you a story from their past - you will learn so much more than you can ever figure out on your own. You will gain people's respect without trials and without turmoil. You will show your parents, teachers, and coaches with your actions that you are a trustworthy, respectful, obedient, reverent young person. And you will show your friends that you are a loyal, kind, helpful, friendly, brave person.
So, no, don't simply do what your parents say because of some website. Rather, listen to your elders and reap the rewards of patience and self-control.
The book of Proverbs contains much wisdom. But what does the Bible say about wisdom itself?
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
The Bible is full of references to wisdom. In the Biblical sense wisdom is seen as learning how to live in a way that will profit your life experience on the Earth. Wisdom is morally good and authentic. Gaining the wisdom God gives us freely will in turn make the lives of those around you better, more rich (in experience and happiness), and more loving. In his letters to the twelve tribes James writes:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Gaining wisdom, which is freely available to those who seek it (James 1:5), is a sure fire way to make your life better. Actually learning from wise people and humbly taking their experiences and teachings to heart can relieve you of errors, pain, and destructive tendencies. Knowledge is understanding ideas. Wisdom is understanding how to implement those ideas to make life better for yourself and others.
Every culture has an understanding that the elders of the tribe, family, nation, or kingdom are a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. The Christian Bible as well as the Jewish texts both contain the 10 Commandments. The 4th commandment says to honor your mother and father. Proverbs tells us that children who listen to their parents will gain wisdom.
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
In Peter's letters to the Church in other Roman provinces (in what is now Turkey), he writes to the elders specifically telling them the good which can come from their loving, honest, humble leadership of the younger church members. He then appeals to those younger members to humbly submit to these elders.
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (5:5 Prov. 3:34)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
But Christians are not the authority on wisdom. Our God is the authority on all knowledge and wisdom. He has also revealed himself to unbelievers and undoubtedly led them to the same conclusions we see in the Bible. The Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians all had a great deal of respect for wisdom. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all yearned for wisdom and for others to seek it as well. Thomas Aquinas considered wisdom to be the precursor or most important of all virtues. Wisdom is considered important in Buddhism and the Inuit traditions; learning to be wise is one of the aims of teaching younger generations.
In recent years wisdom has found no less importance to our lives. Researchers in the field of positive psychology have defined wisdom with the following facets*:
• Problem Solving with self-knowledge and sustainable actions.
• Contextual sincerity to the circumstances with knowledge of its negative and positive aspects.
• Value based consistent actions with knowledge of diversity in ethical opinions.
• Tolerance towards uncertainty in life with unconditional acceptance.
• Empathy with oneself to understand one's own emotions, morals, and others feelings including the ability to see oneself as part of a larger whole.
And how do you gain this wisdom? Where does it come from? Where do you learn it? Every society, ethnic group, community, country, tribe, or family all agree: you learn from watching, studying, and listening to the older people in your life. Whether it's and older cousin, and uncle, your parents, a coach or teacher, a mentor at work, or a speaker at a TED Talk; there is always something to learn from the people who have already been there. As Voltaire said:
Is there anyone so wise as to learn from the experiences of others?
Harter, Andrew C. (2004). "8". In Peterson, Christopher; Seligman, Martin E. P. (eds.). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 181–196. ISBN 978-0-19-516701-6.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/wisdom