Introduction
On the third Monday of September, Japan celebrates Keirō no Hi, Respect for the Aged Day. It is a day to thank older people and celebrate their long lives: grandchildren write letters and give gifts, and families share a meal. Japan is one of the oldest societies in the world, so supporting the elderly is an important work for churches too, and some hold a blessing during worship or a lunch. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: honoring elders, the God who carries us into old age, gratitude to grandparents and the faith they pass on, and an old age full of hope. Use them in a card or a prayer.
Honoring Our Elders
1. Leviticus 19:32
"“ ‘You shall rise up before the gray head and honor the face of the elderly; and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh."
Rise up before the gray head and honor the face of the elderly, the law says, and fear your God. Respecting elders is tied to fearing God. For this day, start with small gestures: give up your seat, make a phone call, say hello. Showing respect to someone older is part of a life that obeys God. Read all of Leviticus 19.
2. Proverbs 16:31
"Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness."
Gray hair is a crown of glory, says the proverb. Growing old is not decline but a crown earned through a life lived well. To a grandfather or grandmother who feels in the way, give this verse. Both God and people honor a long road traveled. Read all of Proverbs 16.
3. Proverbs 20:29
"The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair."
The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray hair. Youth and old age each have their own brightness. The young are given strength, the old experience and calm. Use this day to recognize each generation's gifts instead of comparing them. Read all of Proverbs 20.
4. Exodus 20:12
"“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you."
Honor your father and your mother is the commandment that comes with a promise. When your parents grow old and move less easily, honoring them also means caring for them and listening to them. Take this day to call a parent who lives far away and say thank you. Read all of Exodus 20.
5. Proverbs 23:22
"Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old."
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. An older person sometimes repeats the same stories or becomes stubborn. Yet there is the weight of a whole life there. Do not look down on her; listen patiently. That attitude pleases God. Read all of Proverbs 23.
The God Who Carries Us into Old Age
6. Isaiah 46:4
"Even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. Yes, I will carry, and will deliver."
God promises to carry us even to old age, even to gray hairs. Human strength fades, but God's support does not. To an older person anxious about illness or dependence, say that he will carry them to the end. This verse suits a letter very well. Read all of Isaiah 46.
7. Psalm 71:9
"Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails."
Do not reject me in my old age, do not forsake me when my strength fails: this is the psalmist's prayer. Everyone fears growing old and losing strength and memory. That fear can become a prayer. Pray this verse with an older person to share their worry. Read all of Psalm 71.
8. Psalm 71:18
"Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come."
Even when I am old and gray-haired, God, do not forsake me until I have declared your strength to the next generation. An elder still has a mission. Telling young people their testimony of faith is a treasure. This day is a chance to listen to the faith story of your grandfather or grandmother. Read all of Psalm 71.
9. Psalm 92:14
"They will still produce fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green,"
They will still produce fruit in old age, full of sap and green: so sings the psalmist. Growing old does not mean being no longer useful. Prayer, encouragement and advice from experience are fruits that come only with the years. Count the fruits of the older members of your church and thank them. Read all of Psalm 92.
10. 2 Corinthians 4:16
"Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day."
Though our outward man is decaying, our inward man is renewed day by day, Paul writes. The body weakens, but heart and spirit are renewed by God. Pray that this verse reaches those who are in the hospital or a care home. A person's worth does not rest on appearance. Read all of 2 Corinthians 4.
Gratitude to Grandparents and the Faith They Pass On
11. Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents."
Children's children are the crown of old men, says the proverb. Having grandchildren is a joy, and a grandparent's presence is also a glory for the grandchild. On this day, write a thank-you letter or draw a picture for your grandfather or grandmother. A few simple words are a treasure. Read all of Proverbs 17.
12. 2 Timothy 1:5
"having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also."
Paul remembers Timothy's sincere faith, which lived first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Faith received from a grandmother or mother shapes the next generation. Even in a family that is not Christian, grandparents' prayers and affection nourish a grandchild's heart. Count what you have received. Read all of 2 Timothy 1.
13. Psalm 145:4
"One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts."
One generation will commend your works to another and declare your mighty acts. Faith is handed on from generation to generation. This day is a good chance for grandchildren to listen to their grandparents' testimony. After the meal, ask them to tell you what God has done for them. Read all of Psalm 145.
14. Psalm 103:17
"But Yahweh’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children’s children,"
Yahweh's loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children's children. Your grandparents' prayers of faith reach down to their grandchildren's generation. On this day, remember with thanks that you are carried by the prayers of those who walked before you. Read all of Psalm 103.
15. Psalm 128:6
"Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel."
May you see your children's children, says the psalmist. Seeing grandchildren is a great blessing from God. But some have had no children or live far from their families. Whatever shape a family takes, this day can gently remind each person that they are known to God. Read all of Psalm 128.
An Old Age Full of Hope
16. Job 12:12
"With aged men is wisdom, in length of days understanding."
With aged men is wisdom, in length of days understanding, says Job. The experience of those who have lived long is a wisdom books cannot give. Younger generations should ask them questions. On this day, ask them, "When did you feel God close to you?" Read all of Job 12.
17. Psalm 91:16
"I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”"
I will satisfy him with long life and show him my salvation, God declares. What matters is not only the number of years but being satisfied in knowing God's salvation. Rather than boasting of having lived long, giving thanks for the days received is what suits this day. Read all of Psalm 91.
18. Psalm 23:6
"Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever."
Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, sings the psalmist. In the later part of life there is time to count the blessings received. Invite an older person to tell what God has done for them. The day then becomes a sharing of thanks. Read all of Psalm 23.
19. Psalm 73:26
"My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever: this is the psalmist's confession. It acknowledges the reality of aging without losing trust in God. To anyone suffering or lonely, say that they can bring everything to God, who is present in their weakness. Read all of Psalm 73.
20. Philippians 1:6
"being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
He who began a good work in you will complete it, Paul is persuaded. Even the end of life is a time when God's work continues. For an older person, knowing that God is still at work is a great encouragement. On this day, talk together about hope for the days ahead. Read all of Philippians 1.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse suits Respect for the Aged Day?
Proverbs 16:31, which says gray hair is a crown of glory, is chosen very often. Isaiah 46:4, where God promises to carry us even to gray hairs, also fits well. Choose according to the person's situation.
How do Japanese churches celebrate this day?
Some churches invite older members to the front during worship, and the pastor prays for them. Others hold a lunch or a gathering where children give letters and flowers. Ask your own church what it does.
How can I send a verse to grandparents who live far away?
Write a short letter or card with a verse and a word of thanks. If that is hard, you can read it by phone or video call. What matters is to share your respect and gratitude in your own way.