¹⁰ The gray-haired and the aged^(A) are on our side,
    men even older than your father.^(B)

“I am young in years,
    and you are old;^(A)
that is why I was fearful,
    not daring to tell you what I know.
⁷ I thought, ‘Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.’^(B)

³¹ Gray hair is a crown of splendor;^(A)
    it is attained in the way of righteousness.

²⁰ He silences the lips of trusted advisers
    and takes away the discernment of elders.^(A)

¹² Is not wisdom found among the aged?^(A)
    Does not long life bring understanding?^(B)

⁸ “Ask the former generation^(A)
    and find out what their ancestors learned,
⁹ for we were born only yesterday and know nothing,^(B)
    and our days on earth are but a shadow.^(C)
10 Will they not instruct^(D) you and tell you?
    Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?^(E)

⁷ Remember the days of old;^(A)
    consider the generations long past.^(B)
Ask your father and he will tell you,
    your elders, and they will explain to you.^(C)