What Does the Bible Say About Aging?
Who wants to grow old? Comedian George Burns, who lived past one hundred, quipped, "It's better than the alternative." But is it? For the Christian, the alternative to living on in this world is -- heaven. God's Word has a lot to say about heaven, but also a lot to say about aging. We can be thankful that the Lord has a more gracious attitude toward aging than our youth-obsessed society does.
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
Proverbs 16:31
The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
Proverbs 20:29
What an unfashionable idea! Gray hair as a "crown of glory," a sign of "experience." The Almighty's values are a far cry from our own. Instead of being "disposable seniors," the elderly are promised God's continuing concern.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime -- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.
Isaiah 46:4
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged.
Proverbs 17:6
Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the LORD .
Leviticus 19:32
The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the LORD 's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
