Topical Bible: Children: Good: Honor the Aged

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The Bible places significant emphasis on the respect and honor that should be accorded to the elderly. This principle is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and is seen as a reflection of godly character and wisdom. The act of honoring the aged is not merely a cultural expectation but a divine command that carries spiritual significance.

Biblical Foundation

The command to honor the aged is explicitly stated in the Old Testament. Leviticus 19:32 instructs, "You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD." This verse highlights the connection between reverence for the elderly and the fear of God, suggesting that honoring the aged is an expression of one's respect for divine authority.

Wisdom and Experience

The Bible often associates age with wisdom and experience. Job 12:12 states, "Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life." This verse underscores the value of the insights and knowledge that come with age. Children are encouraged to seek the counsel of their elders, recognizing that their life experiences provide valuable lessons and guidance.

Role of the Family

The family unit is central to the biblical mandate of honoring the aged. In the Ten Commandments, the directive to "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12) extends beyond childhood obedience to encompass a lifelong respect and care for one's parents. This commandment is reiterated in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul writes, "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with a promise) (Ephesians 6:2).

Cultural and Societal Implications

In biblical times, the community played a vital role in supporting and respecting the elderly. Proverbs 16:31 declares, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This imagery of gray hair as a crown signifies the honor and dignity that should be accorded to those who have lived righteously. The community is called to recognize and uphold the value of its older members.

Jesus' Example

Jesus Christ exemplified the principle of honoring the aged through His interactions and teachings. In the Gospels, Jesus often showed compassion and respect for the elderly, emphasizing their worth and dignity. His care for His mother, Mary, even while on the cross (John 19:26-27), serves as a profound example of honoring one's parents and elders.

Practical Application

For children, honoring the aged involves both attitude and action. It includes listening to and valuing the wisdom of older individuals, showing them respect in speech and behavior, and providing care and support as needed. This practice not only fulfills a biblical command but also enriches the lives of both the young and the old, fostering a sense of community and continuity across generations.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 32:6,7
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Lions Lacking --But the Children Satisfied
... died," and put crowns of eternal unfading honor upon his ... liveries of white and yellow
that the children know not ... the Lord shall not want any good thing." We ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/lions lackingbut the children satisfied.htm

This we Now Say, That, According to this Condition of Being Born ...
... therefore there be kept good faith of honor, and of ... Marriages have this good also,
that carnal or youthful ... an honest use in the begetting of children, in order ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 3 this we now.htm

Fifth Commandment
... and that thou mayest live long on the earth." "Honor thy father ... pay for their schooling,
and feed and clothe her children, and hire a very good house too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fifth commandment.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... I think that is a very good reason
for seeking ... to have lives consecrated to learning and crowned with honor. ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... Uncleanliness, no honor in, [3943]523. ... Virtue, the best inheritance we can leave
to our children, [3964]437; alone can depart ... Warfare, good and bad, [3972]424. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... also to their children and children's children, even to ... wish all temporal and eternal
good, since the ... serve Mammon have power, favor, honor, possessions, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... The demand made of the aged wives is that they ... Let the husband give protection; He
to honor, love, defend ... be very zealous in teaching your children good manners ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Titus ii. 5-Feb
... Would not the keeper, considering these things, the honor to which ... a one has not
shown even to his own children. ... may be traced the beginning of his good fortune ...
/.../homily iv titus ii 5-feb.htm

Last Days and After.
... yet she complained not, but counted it an honor to share the ... the church at Ephesus
as his little children, comes up before me as I think of the good old man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vii last days and after.htm

Fourth Commandment
... Parents, if you want your children to grow up and honor you, have them honor the
sabbath day. ... It is a good thing to have the children, not in some remote ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fourth commandment.htm