«شَابِتْ لِحَاهُمْ وِالْعَقْلْ لِسَّهْ مَا جَاهُمْ»

The saying sets grey beards, a male-coded image of advanced age, against an inner lack of judgment. The criticism concerns maturity, not facial hair: those described have grown old yet still lack sense even now, when it was expected. It does not claim sense can never come, only that long life alone does not produce wisdom.

In use, it works as a reproach or a wry lament about adults who still behave thoughtlessly or make immature decisions. The irony is that those old enough to guide others still seem to need guidance themselves, so the line usually carries a tone of disappointment.

Use it, often with exasperation, about adults, especially older ones, who keep acting rashly, foolishly or childishly. Aimed at a specific person, it can sound insulting; turned on oneself or one's own circle, it reads as rueful self-mockery. It rarely suits formal or respectful settings.