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What does the Bible say about taking care of elders?

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The Bible calls God’s people to honor, respect, and provide practical care for older family members and elders, recognizing their years as gifts under God’s providence. The fifth commandment, Exodus 20:12, establishes honor for parents, while Proverbs 23:22 warns against despising a mother in old age. Leviticus 19:32 commands reverence for the aged in the fear of God. Families bear a particular responsibility: 1 Timothy 5:8 condemns neglect of one’s household. Yet care includes more than material support, for Scripture values the wisdom of age (Job 12:12) and calls younger believers to humility toward their elders (1 Peter 5:5). God himself remains faithful to his people even in old age (Isaiah 46:4).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Leviticus 19:32 8 votes

    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.

  • Proverbs 23:22 7 votes

    Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.

  • Exodus 20:12 7 votes

    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

  • 1 Peter 5:5 7 votes

    Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

  • Proverbs 16:31 6 votes

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

  • Proverbs 20:29 5 votes

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

  • Isaiah 46:4 5 votes

    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.

  • Luke 2:36-38 5 votes

    [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.

  • Job 12:12 5 votes

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 5 votes

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

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