God commanded Israel to respect the aged: “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD” (Lev. 19:14). “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD” (Lev. 19:32). In the New Testament we are commanded to “honor widows” and to speak respectfully to older men (1 Tim. 5:1-3).
Anyone who willingly and thoughtlessly mistreats and dishonors the aged shows contempt for God and has a shortsighted view of life. Consider these God-given reasons for respecting the aged.
1. We show reverence for God by showing respect for the aged. Read Leviticus 19:14, 32 again. In both verses, the phrase “shall fear your God” forms the basis for showing respect for the old and the feeble. When one mistreats and sins against the aged (whose hearing and sight are diminished) he forgets that it reflects upon how he treats God, the Giver and Sustainer of life. On Judgment Day, the King will say what we do (or do not do) to others is how we treat Him (Matt. 25:40, 45). It is God who gives life to us all and who sustains us even to old age (Isa. 46:3-4). By cursing the deaf or hindering the blind, one ignores the call of kindness; the call to treat others as we wish to be treated (Matt. 7:12). We do not love God if we do not love those who are older than us (cf. Mark 7:6-13).
2. We learn patience by showing respect for the aged. We are impatient people. Time spent with the older generation is an opportunity to cultivate patience. Yes, you can walk up the stairs faster than the older person ahead of you, who seems to struggle with each step. You think to yourself, “Get out of the way so others can pass!” Yes, your eyesight is 20-20, and you can quickly see the menu at McDonald’s. You think to yourself, “Why is it taking him so long to read the menu?!” Why not show respectful patience? When you must wait for the older person, do so with consideration and kindness. Remember that the older person you are waiting for today was once young like you. Instead of being impatient toward the elderly, reach out and help them. Respect does that.
3. We gain perspective by showing respect for the aged. There is nothing new under the sun. You will be old one day if God continues to bless you with life. Your hearing will fail, and your eyes will dim. How will you want to be treated then? Better to be wise and show respect for the aged than to push them aside to please yourself at their expense.
God does not cast off His people in their old age (Ps. 71:9). But He will cast us off if we do not give honor to whom honor is due (Rom. 13:7). Do not cast off the aged. Honor and respect them.
- The Spirit’s Sword, April 26, 2026