If you could give one blessing to future generations, what would it be?

If you’re an older believer, this question has probably crossed your mind in one form or another. You look at your children and grandchildren and pray that God will keep their faith strong, help them treasure his Word, and protect them from all evil. You trust God to guide them through life, even when you are no longer there for them.

However, the Bible tells us that there is one life-changing blessing you can begin passing on to future generations today!

In the Old Testament, we see Solomon ask God for the gift of wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-14). The young king recognized that wisdom from God will help him in every decision and difficult circumstance he faces. His request pleased God, and despite many shortcomings, Solomon is still remembered as the wisest man who ever lived.

Solomon went on to write the book of Proverbs, which is full of wisdom that still speaks to our lives today. In the book’s introduction, Solomon describes the purpose of his writing:

Here are proverbs that will help you recognize wisdom and good advice, and understand sayings with deep meaning. They can teach you how to live intelligently and how to be honest, just, and fair. They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful. These proverbs can even add to the knowledge of the wise and give guidance to the educated, so that they can understand the hidden meanings of proverbs and the problems that the wise raise.

Proverbs 1:2-6 GNT

The book of Proverbs—along with the rest of Scripture—shows us that God often uses older and wiser believers to teach us his wisdom. And, while the Bible teaches us not to despise those who are younger than us (1 Timothy 4:12), it also cautions us against discounting our elders.

If you’re an older believer, you can begin blessing future generations by helping them seek God’s wisdom today. Here are five encouraging verses that can guide you in passing on wisdom.

You can teach younger generations that God is the only true source of wisdom.

Old people have wisdom,
but God has wisdom and power.
Old people have insight;
God has insight and power to act.

Job 12:12-13 GNT

You can encourage young people to look at their lives with a biblical perspective.

Teach us how short our life is,
so that we may become wise.

Psalm 90:12 GNT

You can model a wise lifestyle for young people by honoring God and following his commandments.

The way to become wise is to honor the LORD;
he gives sound judgment to all who obey his commands.

Psalm 111:10a GNT

No matter how long you have lived, you should always seek God’s wisdom and encourage others to do the same.

If any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.

James 1:5 GNT

You can be the person God uses to give future generations the gift of wisdom.

Happy is anyone who becomes wise—who comes to have understanding. There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.

Proverbs 3:13-18 GNT