respecting your elders
What does the Bible say about respecting your elders? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
12 passages · most helpful first
1You should not rebuke an old man, but rather plead with him, as if he were your father; with young men, like brothers; 2with old women, like mothers; with young women, in all chastity, like sisters.
5Similarly, young persons, be subject to the elders. And infuse all humility among one another, for God resists the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace.
17Obey your leaders and be subject to them. For they watch over you, as if to render an account of your souls. So then, may they do this with joy, and not with grief. Otherwise, it would not be as helpful to you.
20Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.
32Rise up in the presence of a gray-haired head, and honor the reputation of an elder, and fear the Lord your God. I am the Lord.
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is just.
12Honor your father and your mother, so that you may have a long life upon the land, which the Lord your God will give to you.
1And he said to his disciples: “It is impossible for scandals not to occur. But woe to him through whom they come! 2It would be better for him if a millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than to lead astray one of these little ones. 3Be attentive to yourselves. If your brother has sinned against you, correct him. And if he has repented, forgive him. 4And if he has sinned against you seven times a day, and seven times a day has turned back to you, saying, ‘I am sorry,’ then forgive him.” 5And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6But the Lord said: “If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you may say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be transplanted into the sea.’ And it would obey you.
12In old age is wisdom, and in length of days is prudence.
29The joy of youths is their strength. And the dignity of old men is their grey hairs.
1You should not rebuke an old man, but rather plead with him, as if he were your father; with young men, like brothers;
17Let priests who lead well be held worthy of twice the honor, especially those who labor in the Word and in doctrine.