What are the bible proverbs about old age? Find out in this article with commentary on each verse.
Introduction
Old age is a gift from God. It is having lived life to its fullness under the protection of God. Many people do not get to live an entire life; according to the Bible, the wicked have their lives cut.
7 Bible proverbs about old age
Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
King Solomon was giving his son advice. He urged him to keep the commandments of God. These commandments have a magnificent benefit. They are the secret to long life. God’s commandments also bring peace and prosperity. When you are old, all you need is peace and to enjoy the fruits of your life’s work. Obeying God’s commandments is a guarantee of a peaceful old age.
Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
The book of Proverbs constantly contrasts themes. In this proverb, those who fear the Lord are contrasted with those who are evil. We see the results of the behaviour of the two camps. For those who honour God and totally submit to Him, more years are added to them. Those who live wicked lives have shorter lives. The wages of sin is death, that is what the Bible proportions to an evil man.
Proverbs 16:31
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Silver or grey hair is something to be proud of, it is the glory of the old men. Let’s not forget that silver hair is a symbol of wisdom. Old age comes with life experience and wisdom. The old can be proud of the vast knowledge they gained throughout their lives. Old age gives one clarity and a better perspective on life than the young. The advantage of the old over the young is an understanding of situations which spans from a lifetime of successes and failures.
However, not everyone who ends up with silver hair should be considered righteous. The proverb is rejoicing in the silver hairs of the righteous.
Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
A crown is given as a reward or an honor. Grandchildren are the highest honor to their grandparents. They are a continuation of the generation. They continue with family traditions and above all, they are a continuance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Old men delight in their grandchildren. One grandfather who would be proud from Heaven would be David. From his grandchildren came the messiah.
Proverbs 20:20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
The way that you treat your parents affects your future. God rewards those who honour their father and mother with long life and wisdom. There is a Bible given easy formula to longevity, it is simple obedience to your parents. This should be understood from God’s perspective. How can a person obey the authority of God as a Father when he cannot obey the authority of his earthly father. Submit to, and respect your parents who raised you because God gave them to you to lead and guide you.
The perfect example of obedience is set by Jesus. Whilst on earth Jesus did what His father sent Him to do. He obeyed God and humbled Himself unto death. He did His father’s will and not His will.
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
The young men take pride in their strength, energy and enthusiasm. These are all good except for what they lack, which can be found in old men. The grey hair tells a story of knowledge and understanding. As the years pass, they bring mental and emotional maturity. These are treasures that the youth do not have. This is the splendour of the grey, wisdom that the youth needs in order to grow and mature. The old and the young complement one another. The young bring the energy and strength whilst the old men direct.
Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
This could be one of the best proverbs about honoring a mother. It places the importance of a mother on a higher level. A mother takes care of a child from the time it is in the womb, nurses the child, bathes the child and is there every step of the way. Would it be fair for a child to despise this woman of great importance? God is making sure that old mothers/women are taken care of and not abandoned.
Conclusion
The book of Proverbs speaks of the old as the wise of this world who the youth should take care of and listen to. Old people are the fountains of wisdom and they are a treasure to society. They are to be honoured. No old person should feel inadequate. Though their physical strength is gone, they are mentally powerful. Another important factor is that old age is a reward from God. God values the old.
