«غُلَامْ عَاقِلْ خيرْ مِنْ شِيخْ جَاهِلْ»

The saying ranks good sense above age. A young person who thinks clearly, here غلام means a boy or lad, not a servant, deserves more regard than an elderly man who lacks understanding; شيخ means an old man, not a religious scholar or tribal leader. Years alone do not earn the respect that comes from judgment.

The saying challenges automatic deference to seniority. A younger person may see an issue more clearly than an older one, so counsel should be judged by understanding rather than years alone. Age deserves consideration, but it cannot replace sound judgment.

Say it when someone dismisses a young person's sound view only because of age, or when an older person's foolish insistence is excused out of deference. It can also be used to praise a sensible youngster.