What does the Bible say about ageism?

The demand to-day for young men is insistent — in business, in politics, in educational institutions, and even in the so-called "Christian ministry," young men are demanded, while the older, in spite a their knowledge, experience and more matured judgment, are either deliberately set aside or quietly crowded out. It is the spirit of the age: — smartness and dash are required, for "success," and youth would teach its elders wisdom. Such an one as "Paul the aged" would be looked upon in most quarters as having about out lived his usefulness and fit only to be superannuated. This preference for youth appears to work fairly well whilst things are moving almost of themselves from the impetus given them by these same men now considered eligible for the list of the "honorably retired;" but it is noticed that in times of grave crises, as in the late World War, it is after all the men advanced in life who have to step into the breach, and by wise counsel and well-considered action, save the day. And here in the chapter before us, we have, not young men, but old, as the principal actors. Darius himself "being about threescore and two years old" (chap. 5:31), and Daniel much older still. "Behold, thou art old" (1 Sam. 8:4-5), an ungrateful people said complainingly of one of the best leaders it was ever a nation's good fortune to possess.

Dear aged brethren, it is an old man of long and wide experience who is addressing you. Do not discourage young men. Do not snub the Josiahs of twenty years old. You may perhaps feel within yourselves that things are not as they should be, and possibly there is with you a feeling of weariness due to declining strength which may dispose you to settle down to things as they are rather than speak and act boldly for God. Give yourselves to prayer that God may be pleased to raise up faithful young men; but beware how you damp their energy when it begins to operate. It is admitted that young men can be forward and troublesome in the assemblies; but so can men who are far from being young. Have we not seen brethren assuming the work of oversight with no spiritual qualifications? And have not such men, by displays of petty authority sometimes blocked spiritual activities? Young men should never despise the counsel of the aged, and the aged should never discourage the zeal of the young. Let us help one another to a better understanding of the will of the Lord.

Let us not hasten away from the tomb in Bethel. A few moments of further meditation upon its solemn lessons will be wholesome for us all. It is possible for an aged brother to become a spent force; shall we not guard against this? Advanced years do not necessarily imply increased spirituality. A long course of useful service for God may easily breed in us a spirit of self-satisfaction, than which nothing is more dangerous both for ourselves and for all who come under our influence. In that case, our words of counsel may have weight and value with younger brethren which they do not deserve. Humility and self-judgement become us until our latest breath. We shall not be free from danger until we find ourselves in the safe shelter of the Lord's presence. The old prophet — a man whom apparently God could no longer employ — ensnared a younger man to his ruin. The younger men of our time must not overlook this danger. Respect for age and experience is good; but our only authority for action in any sphere of life is the Word of God. "A brother advised me," or "an angel spake to me," will not sound well at the judgement seat of Christ. Both old and young must maintain themselves in direct touch with God and His truth!

The aged among the people were to be held in honour and respect. In eastern countries today people are more careful about this than in the west. Also, when a stranger came to reside in Israel he was to be treated with respect and courtesy, in fact, Israel was told to "love him as yourself" (v. 34). If this was true in Israel under law, how much more emphatic it should be for Christians who are "under grace."

The aged among the people were to be held in honor and respect. In eastern countries today people are more careful about this than in the west. Also, when a stranger came to reside in Israel he was to be treated with respect and courtesy, in fact, Israel was told to “love him as yourself” (v. 34). If this was true in Israel under law, how much more emphatic it should be for Christians who are “under grace.”

"Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders" (1 Pet.5:5). This is instruction that we in the western culture seriously need. In eastern countries there has been a very striking respect for elder people, sometimes even to the point of exaggeration. But even schools in the west are now teaching that we can discard the experience of those of an earlier generation. God does not say so.

While it is true that the younger are not to yield blindly to elders, yet they must remember that elders have had more experience than they have, and may possibly have more wisdom than the younger think they have. At least, let the younger show a respect that is willing to listen. Elders, of course, may make mistakes also, yet in the church of God they must be considered as those who watch for souls, and should be submitted to rather than set aside by the opinions of those younger.

Nor must one be deceived by age, though it claims reverence. But how deplorable if it help on evil! "The hoary head is a crown of glory; it is (or, if it be) found in the way of righteousness."

It is a fatal mistake for believers to retain a service when it is obvious to all concerned that their ability to serve has ended. Old age often brings diminished ability to discern and to act with spiritual intelligence. Honesty and uprightness would make way for those who have ability and energy and are faithful

The ancients in this verse are men of long experience. We must not think that these ancients are the same as the New Testament elders. An ancient in Israel was simply a wise old man with long experience. An elder in the New Testament is a brother in Christ who has the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. It is possible of course that even a present-day older brother is not as spiritually wise as a younger brother but the older brother certainly has more experience. As to wisdom in the sense of spiritual intelligence coupled with spirituality, this is not always necessarily connected with age or long experience.

Those of us who rank amongst the younger believers, have to pay special attention to verse 5. The elder may indeed be willing and ready in the exercise of oversight, and also may himself carry out what he enjoins on others, so as to be an example himself; all will be in vain if the younger are not prepared to listen to him and be subject. We beg every young Christian to remember that though there may be much advance in certain branches of human discovery and knowledge, so that the older generation may in these things easily fall behind the times, there is no such advance in the revealed truth of God. Consequently, spiritual maturity is still only to be gained as the fruit of years well spent in the school of God — and by that we mean, the study of His Word, supplemented by Christian life, experience and service. The younger Christian may indeed have superior zeal, energy, endurance, and possibly superior mental equipment, even so he will more effectually serve his Master if he is subject to the mature and wise guidance of the "elder," who may be in most other respects decidedly his inferior.