The gray head of a righteous old person is highly valued in the sight of heaven. “The beauty of old men is the gray head” (Proverbs 20:29). We dwell much, and rightly so, on the attempted change of the fourth commandment. But the fifth commandment has been seriously altered or ignored by the world in general.
One of the major signs of the end, Paul declares, is that children “will be proud and abusive, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly lacking in gratitude, reverence, and normal human affections” (II Timothy 3:2, 3, Phillips).
What are the awful results to these offenders? “The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures” (Proverbs 30:17, R.S.V.). This language is anything but beautiful, but note the contrast between this penalty with the promise of long life for those who honor their parents according to the ten commandments.
The life of Samuel is a classic example of respect. His respect for his mother and for the aged priest, Eli, and for all of his elders played an important part in making him one of Israel’s greatest prophets and judges. When rejected by Israel in his old age, Samuel was so closely identified with God as a leader that the Lord told him that his rejection was actually a rejection of God Himself!
“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31). Note carefully that the crown is placed upon the aged only if they are “found in the way of righteousness”. Not only are youth to respect the aged, but the aged are to love in such a way as to command this respect.
A blessed experience awaits those children who give gifts of pleasant words, acts of kindness, letters of love, and thoughtful remembrances to their parents. And what a blessed experience awaits those with gray heads who receive these kindnesses because they deserve them!
