Inexperience

Lack of experience of life or a particular aspect of life. Inexperience is often associated with the young who are thus vulnerable and who should be taught by those older and wiser. God sometimes calls the inexperienced to leadership but usually also provides encouragement and support from more experienced leaders.

The inexperience of youth

1 Samuel 3:4–7; Jeremiah 1:6 See also Deuteronomy 1:39; 1 Kings 3:7; 1 Chronicles 29:1; 2 Chronicles 10:8–11 parallel 1 Kings 12:8–11; 2 Chronicles 13:7; Isaiah 7:15–16

Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

The inexperienced may be led astray

2 Kings 17:41 Children often follow in the ways of their parents; Matthew 18:6 See also 1 Kings 22:53; 2 Kings 24:9; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2

So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

God's call to the inexperienced

Jeremiah 1:7–8 See also 1 Samuel 16:11–13 David, Jesse's youngest son, is chosen by God; 1 Samuel 17:33 David's inexperience in the face of Goliath; 1 Timothy 4:12 Timothy was called to pastor a church despite his youth. In general, however, church leaders should be people of experience (see 1 Timothy 3:6).

But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Support for the inexperienced

Teaching the inexperienced

Deuteronomy 4:9–10; Job 8:8–9 Each generation learns from the wisdom and experience of those going before. See also Deuteronomy 11:2–7, Deuteronomy 31:13; Job 32:6–7; Psalm 71:18, Psalm 78:3–5; Proverbs 5:1–2; Ephesians 6:4

Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.”

Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.

Examples of help given to the inexperienced

1 Chronicles 22:5 See also Deuteronomy 1:38 Moses is to encourage his young successor, Joshua; Judges 3:1–2 teaching warfare to those who have no experience of it; 1 Samuel 3:8–10 Eli instructs the inexperienced Samuel; 1 Kings 19:19–21 Elisha becomes Elijah's attendant; 1 Chronicles 28:20 David encourages Solomon to build the temple; Proverbs 4:3–4 Solomon recalls the instruction given by his father; Acts 15:39 Barnabas takes John Mark with him; 2 Timothy 3:14–15 Paul reminds Timothy of the example he has been given.

And David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent — famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I must make preparations for it.” So David made lavish preparations before his death.