Whether you're looking for Scripture to pray over your day or want a small set of verses to drive ample discussion in your next assisted living community Bible study, here are some verses from Proverbs to get you started.
Proverbs 16:31: Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 20:29: The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
The New Testament tells us that God loves his children, and that's true no matter how old you are. In fact, the Bible also includes plenty of stories and verses that indicate God appreciates older people — especially those who've walked in faith for many years or who are learning to walk in faith as they age. Consider some of the people in the Bible who had an impact in their older years, such as Sarah, who had Isaac in her old age; Anna, who praised the young Jesus after dedicating her life to God; and Simeon, who was promised a view of the Messiah before he died.
Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 3:7: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
Proverbs 3:1: My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
A number of verses from Proverbs remind people of faith to remember that the wisdom of the Lord is greater than theirs. That's true even if you've had years to amass your own earthly wisdom. It's important to remain humble before God and to seek his will in your life.
Proverbs 10:2: Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.
It's easy to get tied to things, and if you make the decision to downsize into an independent or assisted living community, you may feel sad to give up possessions and furniture. This verse from Proverbs points out what's most important to a person of faith, and meditating on it may make it easier to appreciate what you do have in your new space and all the doors a community can open for you.
Proverbs 10:9: Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
The verses in Proverbs often remind God's people to live with integrity and to uphold the ways of God. Even as an older adult, when you may be relaxing into your retirement years, it's important to "walk securely" in the will of God.
Proverbs 12:1: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Walking securely in that will may require you to engage in spiritual disciplines. Just as adults should continue to work their muscles and brains as they age to support long-term mobility and cognitive function, they can also engage in disciplines such as prayer and Bible study to engage their spiritual "muscles."
Proverbs 12:16: Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
It's important to take the wisdom you've learned over the years and pass it on to others in a caring and gentle way. The verses in Proverbs often point to gentleness, love and patience as the way to approach others and all of life. A challenge for older adults is adopting this guidance from the Scriptures even when they feel stressed, tired, overwhelmed or aggravated.
Proverbs 16:1-3: To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Remember that, even if you've studied the Bible and attended church all or most of your life, God's ways are mysterious and mighty. The Holy Spirit still has things to show you — for older adults of faith, this can be a comfort as well as something that makes them excited to get up and see what God has for them in each day.
