Topical Bible: Good Children: Honor the Aged

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical principle of honoring the aged is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, emphasizing respect, reverence, and care for the elderly. This principle is not only a social or cultural expectation but a divine commandment that reflects the character of God and His design for human relationships.

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 underscores the connection between reverence for the elderly and the fear of God, suggesting that honoring the aged is an act of worship and obedience to God.

The wisdom literature of the Bible also highlights the value of age and experience. Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This proverb associates old age with honor and righteousness, implying that a life well-lived in accordance with God's commandments is worthy of respect.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the principle of honoring the aged is reinforced through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides guidance on how the church should treat its older members. In 1 Timothy 5:1-2 , Paul advises, "Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." This instruction emphasizes the familial nature of the Christian community and the respect due to its elder members.

Role of Good Children

Children are specifically called to honor their parents, a commandment that extends to all elderly individuals. Ephesians 6:1-3 reiterates the commandment from the Decalogue: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" This passage highlights the promise of blessing associated with honoring one's parents, suggesting that respect for the aged is integral to a life of blessing and prosperity.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israelite society, the family was the primary social unit, and the elderly were regarded as repositories of wisdom and experience. The patriarchal structure of the family placed a high value on the counsel and guidance of older family members. This cultural context is reflected in the biblical mandate to honor the aged, as it ensured the transmission of faith and values from one generation to the next.

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, honoring the aged involves more than mere respect; it includes providing for their needs, listening to their wisdom, and valuing their contributions to the community. The church is called to be a place where the elderly are cherished and their dignity upheld. This includes advocating for their well-being, involving them in ministry, and learning from their life experiences.

In summary, the biblical call to honor the aged is a timeless principle that reflects God's heart for family, community, and the sanctity of life. It is a call to recognize the inherent value and dignity of every individual, regardless of age, and to live in a manner that honors God through our relationships with others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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

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

This we Now Say, That, According to this Condition of Being Born ...
... therefore there be kept good faith of honor, and of ... an honest use in the begetting
of children, in order ... lust the marriage union may bring to pass some good. ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 3 this we now.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

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

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

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

The Ancestral Home
... his means, and full of quiet zeal, he was ready for every good work; one ... when father
was absent, say: 'I ask not for my children wealth, or honor; but I ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/i the ancestral home.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... Some of us have pretty good need to remember the poor. ... it back again, it is no small
honor to give ... and remember, what thou givest to his children thou puttest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm