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The doctrine from hence is that young men are ordinarily rash in judging others, yea, more rash than elder men, and consequently more apt to judge amiss, and to give evil counsel and sentence of such things as are well done. Such were Rehoboam's green heads; they gave green counsel, and such as cost him the loss of the greatest part of his kingdom (1 Kings 12:8, 13, 14). The reasons are plain. First, age and years bring experience and ripeness of judgment and so wisdom. Youth is as green timber; age as that which is seasoned (Job 32:7). Again, their affections being hotter and stronger are more inconstant and unbridled, realty to run into extremities, as untamed heifers not used to the yoke. Lastly, they put far from them the evil day; they think themselves privileged by their age, and make account they have time enough hereafter to enter into better courses. The uses:

1. This teacheth us not to rest in the judgment, nor to follow the counsel of young men, except they have old men's gifts and graces in them. For touching gifts, it is true which Elihu testifieth (Job 32:9).

2. Let young men suffer their elders to speak before them, especially in censuring things that are strange.

3. Seeing rashness and unadvisedness are specially incident to youth, let them learn to season their years with the Word of God, let them make it their meditation, whereby they may repress such hot and hasty and headstrong passions.

(W. Attersoll.)

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KJV: And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

WEB: A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!"