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What does the Bible say about old age?

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The Bible teaches that old age is a God-given season worthy of honor, sustained by his faithful care, and fruitful for those who trust in him. Proverbs 16:31 calls gray hair a crown of glory when found in righteousness, while Leviticus 19:32 commands respect for the aged. God promises in Isaiah 46:4 to carry his people even to their gray hairs, and Psalms 71:9, 18 appeals confidently to him for strength and continued witness. Though outward strength declines, 2 Corinthians 4:16 declares that believers are inwardly renewed day by day. Psalms 92:14 assures that the righteous can still bear fruit in old age, while Isaiah 40:31 directs every generation to hope in the Lord.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 16:31

    Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

  • Isaiah 46:4

    and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.

  • Job 12:12

    With aged men is wisdom, In length of days understanding.

  • Psalms 92:14

    They will still bring forth fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green,

  • Psalms 71:18

    Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don't forsake me, Until I have declared your strength to the next generation, Your might to everyone who is to come.

  • Psalms 71:9

    Don't reject me in my old age. Don't forsake me when my strength fails.

  • Proverbs 20:29

    The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.

  • Leviticus 19:32

    You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16

    Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

  • Isaiah 40:31

    but those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

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