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What does the Bible say about old people?

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The Bible teaches that older people are to be honored, cared for, and valued as witnesses to God’s faithfulness, though aging also reminds us of our mortality and need for the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 commands respect for the aged, while Proverbs 16:31 calls gray hair a crown of glory when found in a righteous life. Scripture recognizes the frailty of later years in Psalm 71:9 and Psalm 90:10, yet Isaiah 46:4 promises that God carries his people even to old age. Job 12:12 links age with wisdom, though true wisdom belongs ultimately to God. Anna’s worship in Luke 2:36-38 and Moses’ vigor in Deuteronomy 34:7 show that the Lord can use his servants fruitfully in every season.

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.

  • Psalms 71:9

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

  • 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.

  • Psalms 90:10

    The days of our years are seventy, Or even by reason of strength eighty years; Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, For it passes quickly, and we fly away.

  • Deuteronomy 34:7

    Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

  • Job 12:12

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

  • 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.

  • Titus 2:1-6

    [1] But say the things which fit sound doctrine, [2] that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience: [3] and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; [4] that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God's word may not be blasphemed. [6] Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober-minded;

  • Luke 2:36-38

    [36] There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, [37] and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. [38] Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

  • Proverbs 17:6

    Children's children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are their parents.

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