God does not abruptly stop with one generation and start at that point with another. There is a carry over, a gradual transition. An overlap, if you please. Like the waves of the sea coming in to the shore. The purpose for this is that the previous generation might convey to the present one the successes and failures of their own times, so that the testimony of the elders might be used to help and warn them against the danger.
The older generation is obligated to pass on to the coming generation the pitfalls on the pathway of life, as well as the ingredients that go into successful living. That is, they are to pass the torch, so that they will not stumble in darkness on life’s journey. Thus, there’ll be no need for them to “walk in the light of their own fire.” When light is needed, a floodlight is to be preferred to a candle, if available.
Both these groups have a choice. The one can gain wisdom by listening and learning; or, because of youthful pride, reject the counsel of the elders and pay a dear consequence. The second has the option of warning and exhorting, or because of fear of being misunderstood, keeping silent, which will be a detriment to the next generation.
The previous generation is not necessarily smarter or wiser than the present one, but they have already been down the road the younger are to travel!
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