In the same way, with spiritual maturity, progress is expected. As one matures spiritually, their words begin to carry more weight and possess greater authority. This is commonly seen. We all know people of whom we ask advice, seek counsel, and listen carefully to their opinion on issues of the day. We do not listen because they demand attention, but we listen because we know that they speak with wisdom as a rule. This is the way it is supposed to be. As we mature, we should become wiser. On the other hand, my parents are not expected to give me spankings anymore. This is not necessarily because I have grown too physically big for a spanking. Instead, it is because I am expected to have put away the childish transgressions that sparked the discipline. A grown up person who is continually finding trouble is not just unlucky. They are fools. They lack understanding. They should be considered abnormal. Sadly, in our day, the abnormal has become the norm. Transgressions by those who should know better are excused, explained away, or simply accepted. God has a different way of looking at things. He says that these people are void of understanding, which is just another way of saying that they are fools. Where do you find yourself? Do people listen to you because they know wisdom will proceed from your mouth, or are you constantly finding trouble?