Benjamin Franklin noted: "At 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30 the wit; at 40 the judgment." When we are humble enough to learn the lessons of life in our youth—and if we live long enough—we can indeed exhibit the training and knowledge for the good of others during the later years of our lives.

James 1:4 advises us to ask God if we are lacking in wisdom. We ought not to expect a funnel to be inserted into our brain and wisdom added. That is where the first 40 years come in—reaching, seeking and finding wisdom. Some say life begins at 40—Franklin noted that’s when judgment (or wisdom) blooms as well.