“These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something also for the seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn – Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”                           Proverbs 1:1-6, The Message

Because we all seem to have enough stuff in our lives, I find myself challenged to find gifts to send friends and family who live out of town. I never want to send something that isn’t needed or will just sit around. I like to give (and receive) something to be enjoyed – preferably something that is consumable. 

With this in mind, I stumbled upon the idea of sending food items. My son was thrilled the first time I sent him, in his words, “the gift of meat” – specifically steaks. (Sorry if you’re vegetarian or vegan.)

To select his gift, I painstakingly (no pun intended) perused gift box selections to choose just the right cut of meat. I learned rather quickly that those described as “seasoned” filets, rib eyes, New York strips, etc. were much better than the regular ones but not as good as the cuts identified as “aged to perfection.” I ultimately chose the seasoned filets for the cost and the quality – a cut above the rest so to speak.

Not long ago, I was referred to as “seasoned.” I am relatively sure it was a compliment and not just a way to say I’m old. In context, the reference was to my years of tenure in my profession. My time and experience have made me seasoned – not new, veteran, tested. I have had time to improve, get better at what I do like a seasoned athlete, a seasoned professor, or a seasoned pastor.

Time-tested and experienced is generally preferred over a rookie; however, just because you are seasoned it doesn’t mean you are aged to perfection. You can continue to improve, much like those steaks I considered. 

The introduction to the book of Proverbs states there are still things seasoned men and women can learn. The purpose of Proverbs is “To give prudence to the naïve, to the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise person will hear and increase in learning, and a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel…” (Proverbs 1:4 – 5 NASB).

If you are seasoned like me and think you’ve seen, heard, and lived it all, think again.

There is still much to learn and experience especially as a seasoned Christian. The book of Proverbs is a great place to start. If you’ve read it before – read it again. I am confident you will gain new insight. 

Remember, you may be seasoned but you are not yet aged to perfection.

Dear Lord, 

I am often tempted to think I know it all or that I am the one who can teach others a thing or two. Thank you for the wisdom passed on through Solomon and the book of Proverbs that provides “fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate” the minds of those who are seasoned like me.

Amen.