1 Peter 5:5 5Likewise, young people, submit to the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Peter next shifts his focus briefly to address those who are younger. Likewise at the beginning of this verse implies that the younger believers have a responsibility to learn and grown as they await the coming of Jesus. Being young has many advantages, such as enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to try to new things. The young tend to be more idealistic, with many hopes and dreams for their future. The downside of this is the temptation not to listen to the wisdom of those older with more life experienced. In our rapidly changing and technological world, those who are older may seem irrelevant to the young. The older seem slow physically and mentally, especially when it comes to technology. The young think they are invulnerable and nothing will happen to them. These thoughts can creep into the church and spiritual matters, leading to a sense of pride among the young and an indifference towards the older. Peter uses the same word submit (hypotagēte) here as with slaves (2:18) and wives (3:1, 5). A position of submission makes learning easier. We can learn from anyone, even if we disagree or think they are “old fashioned.”
Everyone shifts the focus to the whole church. Listening and respecting the older believers would help the younger grow and please God. The older and more mature believers could be patient and respectful of the challenges of the young, not forgetting that they were once young themselves. Peter quotes from Proverbs 3:34 to emphasize the blessing that comes through humility. God gives a special grace (charin) to those who live like Jesus in humility (Philippians 2:3-11; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:2). There is a spiritual resource that is available for those who submit to leaders and humbly learn to listen to their wisdom and experiences. Clothing is what people see of us. The tension between the generations could be lessened by putting on humility. What people see and experience of us is our Christlikeness.