As we grow older, it is inevitable that we will contemplate our mortality and think of our place in the grand scheme of life. We may find ourselves wondering, “What does the Bible say about old age?”. Every generation of people faces aging, but there are unique challenges and experiences that come with getting older. In this article, we will explore how the Bible speaks to the questions of aging and how it speaks about the topic of old age.
The Bible is filled with references to aging and wise counsel on aspects of aging. In the Old Testament, there are numerous mentions of aging including references to the Elder of Israel, Caleb, who “at the age of eighty-five was as strong as when he was forty” (Joshua 14:10) and Sarah who turns one hundred and twenty-seven (Genesis 23:1-2).
The Bible is full of advice on how to age gracefully and truthfully, as well as how to use your years to strengthen and bless those around you. Proverbs 16:31 says: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life”. In other words, the Bible honors the later years of a person’s life. Ecclesiastes 12:1-2 speaks to this as well in saying: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’.” Both of these passages emphasize our need to remember God and His purpose for us throughout our entire lives, not just our youth.
The Bible also speaks to the unique physical and mental challenges that come with aging. In Ecclesiastes 12:3-7, the Bible talks about the physical changes that occur with age – “…the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop; the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look through the windows grow dim; the doors on the street are closed; when the sound of the mill is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low; they are afraid also of what is high, and fears are in the way” – trials typical of advancing age. This passage serves to recognize the physical toll the years take, yet still encourage the reader not to forget the importance of seeking out joy and wisdom from the world around them.
The Bible does not shy away from the struggles of age and suffering. Rather, the books of Job and Ecclesiastes speak to the darkness of sorrow and despair that can come with aging, yet still reminds the reader that our divine purpose of glorifying God remains unchanged. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 speaks of this purpose, saying: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…”. Here, it is clear that the Bible affirms that our years, though limited, have their own season and purpose.
All in all, the Bible speaks to all of the realities of facing our own mortality as we age. In all of its references to aging, the Bible speaks to the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of getting older. While recognizing the physical challenges, the Bible also reveals that to be old is a blessing and not only a trial. Through Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, the Bible encourages the reader to look for joy, wisdom and purpose in the years ahead and to strengthen relationships, remembering God’s will and purposes in the world.
What Does The Bible Say About Respecting Our Elders?
The Bible has numerous references to respecting one’s elders. The book of Leviticus 19:32 says: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God. I am the Lord”. This verse makes it clear that honoring and treating with respect the elderly is a very important issue in the Bible.
Psalm 71:9-18 speaks of aging and the need to honor our elders, saying: “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, ‘God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him’. Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. Let my accusers perish in shame; let those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace”.
These verses show the importance of not only respecting those who are older, but standing up for the elderly when they are being mistreated. This speaks volumes to the importance of honoring one’s elders and to not abandon them nor ignore them.
Proverbs 23:22 also speaks to respecting elders, saying: “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old”. Here, the Bible is clear that we should never turn away from our parents, or any of our elders, when they are in need of our help.
Joshua 24:15 echoes this sentiment when it says, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This reiterates the need to honor the elderly, for the elderly have the wisdom of years to pass on to those younger.
What Does The Bible Say About Caring For The Elderly?
The Bible contains many verses with direct references to caring for the elderly. Leviticus 19:32 states: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God. I am the Lord”.
In this verse, the Bible emphasizes the need to care for the elderly, as they are a reflection of God’s purposes in our lives.
Deuteronomy 4:9 also speaks to caring for and honoring the elderly, saying: “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” This is God’s command to all of us to remember those who are aging, showing our respect for their years of wisdom and experience.
The Bible is replete with teachings about the importance of looking after and caring for our elderly. In the New Testament, Jesus sets a wonderful example when he visits Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. In this story, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach, Martha complains that Mary is not helping her with preparing the food and is wasting her time. Yet Jesus speaks to Martha gently and kindly, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Here, Jesus encourages those in the later years of life to seek Him, showing the importance of caring for the elderly.
What Does The Bible Say About Providing for the Elderly?
The Bible speaks strongly on the matter of providing for the elderly, with multiple passages addressing the importance of caring for those who need our help regardless of their age.
In Titus 2:1-5 we read: “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God”.
Here, Titus encourages elder women in the church to be examples to those who are younger, teaching them to be pure and self-controlled, while also providing for their families and taking care of their homes. This speaks to the need to provide for the elderly and to ensure their needs are met.
In 1 Timothy 5:3-8, Timothy further encourages the church to honor and provide for the elderly, saying: “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The real widows, those who are all alone, put their hope in God and continue night and day in their petitions and prayers; but the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives”.
Here, it is clear that providing for the elderly is an important part of honoring them and being pleasing to God.
What Does The Bible Say About Elderly In The Church?
The Bible contains many passages about the importance of including the elderly in the church. In Titus 2:1-8, we are told: “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, older women are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not enslaved to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored”.
Here, it is clear that the church is to include and honor the elderly, as they provide a pillar of stability and example in the church. The elderly can provide wisdom, insight, and teach younger generations the importance of the faith and God’s Word.
The elderly can also be a great source of comfort and refuge in the church. In 1 Timothy 5:16-17, Paul says: “If any believer has widows in their family, they should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are truly in need. The elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching”.
Here, Paul underscores the fact that the elderly need to be given a place of honor in the church and should not be overlooked or taken for granted. This passage serves to remind us of the importance of including the elderly in our church and giving them a place of respect and security.
What Does The Bible Say About Old Age Death?
The Bible speaks to the death of the elderly in a both comforting and direct manner.
