12 Bible Verses About Respecting Your Elders

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about respecting your elders

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about respecting your elders:

1. Leviticus 19:32 – “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.”
2. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 – “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”
3. Proverbs 16:31 – “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
4. Proverbs 20:29 – “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”
5. Ephesians 6:2-3 – “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
6. 1 Peter 5:5 – “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

7. Exodus 20:12 – “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
8. Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”
9. Proverbs 23:22 – “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
10. Titus 2:2-3 – “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
11. Deuteronomy 5:16 – “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
12. Job 32:4-7 – “Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.”

What does the bible say about respecting your elders?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring elders as a way to show gratitude for their wisdom, experience, and guidance.

It teaches that elders should be treated with kindness, patience, and reverence, and that their advice and counsel should be valued and heeded.

Respecting elders is seen as a way to honor God and uphold the values of love, compassion, and humility.

Additionally, the Bible teaches that respecting elders can lead to blessings and long life.

Overall, the Bible encourages individuals to show respect and honor towards their elders as a way to demonstrate love and obedience to God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about respecting your elders?

1. Exodus 20 – This chapter contains the fifth commandment, which instructs us to honor our father and mother. Respecting our elders is a key aspect of honoring our parents and following God’s commandments.

2. Leviticus 19 – This chapter includes various laws and guidelines for living a holy and righteous life, including the command to stand up in the presence of the elderly and show respect for them. This demonstrates the importance of respecting our elders in the eyes of God.

3. Proverbs 16 – This chapter contains wisdom and advice on various aspects of life, including the importance of listening to and learning from the wisdom of our elders. Respecting our elders allows us to benefit from their experiences and knowledge.

4. 1 Timothy 5 – This chapter provides instructions on how to treat different groups within the church, including elders. It emphasizes the importance of showing respect and care for older members of the community, recognizing their contributions and wisdom.

5. Titus 2 – This chapter outlines the responsibilities of different groups within the church, including older men and women. It emphasizes the importance of older individuals setting a good example for younger generations and being respected for their wisdom and guidance.

Studying these chapters can provide valuable insights into the importance of respecting our elders and following God’s commandments to honor and care for them. It reminds us of the wisdom and guidance that older individuals can offer, and the importance of showing them the respect and honor they deserve.

Ideas and concepts related to respecting your elders that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Honor your father and mother: This commandment is found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). It emphasizes the importance of showing respect and reverence to one’s parents, who are typically older and wiser than their children. Respecting elders is an extension of this commandment, as elders are often seen as parental figures in the community.

2. Wisdom of the elderly: Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to seeking advice and guidance from older, more experienced individuals. Proverbs 16:31 states, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” This highlights the value of the wisdom and knowledge that comes with age, and encourages younger generations to respect and learn from their elders.

3. Care for the elderly: The Bible also emphasizes the importance of caring for the elderly and vulnerable members of society. James 1:27 states, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” This principle extends to all elderly individuals who may be in need of assistance or support, and emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and respect towards them.

In summary, the concepts of honoring parents, seeking wisdom from the elderly, and caring for the elderly are all related to the idea of respecting elders. The Bible teaches that elders are to be valued and respected for their knowledge and experience, and that it is important to show kindness and compassion towards them in their old age.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.