Psalms 92:12-15 – The Benefits of Trusting in God in Retirement
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Proverbs 16:31 – The Glory of Gray Hair
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 3:1-2 – Benefits of Walking with God in Retirement
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
Psalms 71:18 – Sharing God’s Power in Retirement
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Psalms 37:25 – God’s Provision in Retirement
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Psalms 71:9 – God’s Faithfulness in Old Age
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
1 Timothy 5:8 – Providing for Family in Retirement
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Proverbs 13:22 – Leaving an Inheritance in Retirement
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Ruth 4:15 – The Blessing of Grandchildren in Retirement
He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.
Psalms 90:12 – Making the Most of Retirement
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Deuteronomy 8:18 – Remembering God in Retirement
But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
Proverbs 22:1 – A Good Name in Retirement
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Also Read: 40 Powerful Bible Verses About the Sun
Isaiah 46:4 – God’s Care in Old Age
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Proverbs 15:23 – The Joy of Giving in Retirement
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
1 Chronicles 29:9 – Giving Back to God in Retirement
The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
Ecclesiastes 3:22 – Enjoying the Fruits of Retirement
So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?
Ecclesiastes 12:1 – Remembering God in Youth and Old Age
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”.
Hebrews 13:5 – God’s Faithfulness in Retirement
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
1 Timothy 5:3-4 – Caring for the Elderly in Retirement
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
Job 12:12 – The Wisdom of the Aged in Retirement
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 5:26 – A Long and Fruitful Life in Retirement
You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season.
Joshua 14:10-11 – Serving God in Retirement
Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.
John 14:27 – Finding Peace in Retirement
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Proverbs 16:9 – Trusting God’s Plan in Retirement
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Psalms 73:26 – God’s Strength in Old Age
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
1 John 5:14 – Assurance in God’s Guidance during Retirement
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – The Final Purpose of Retirement
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Job 42:17 – Prosperity in Retirement
And so Job died, an old man and full of years.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – The Proper Perspective on Wealth in Retirement
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 – The Spirit Returns to God in Retirement
And the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Luke 12:34 – Storing Up Treasures in Retirement
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 17:6 – The Blessing of Grandchildren in Retirement
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Finishing the Race in Retirement
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Psalm 71:17 – Sharing God’s Wonders in Retirement
Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
1 Samuel 12:24 – Serving the Lord in Retirement
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Psalm 84:11 – God’s Blessings in Retirement
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Trusting in God’s Presence in Retirement
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Philippians 4:11-13 – Contentment in All Seasons of Retirement
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 90:17 – The Lord’s Blessings in Retirement
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.
Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s Plans for Retirement
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Matthew 6:19-20 – Storing Up Treasures in Retirement
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Hebrews 4:9 – Rest in Retirement
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.
Proverbs 17:22 – A Joyful Heart in Retirement
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Matthew 11:28 – Finding Rest in Retirement
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 23:4-5 – The Proper Perspective on Wealth in Retirement
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Isaiah 46:10 – God’s Sovereignty in Retirement
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
What Does the Bible Say About Retirement?
When we explore what the Bible says about retirement, we find that the Scriptures don’t speak directly about retirement in the way we understand it today. Retirement, as a period of ceasing to work and living off savings or a pension, wasn’t a concept in biblical times. However, there are principles and passages that can guide our understanding of what retirement might mean from a biblical perspective.
Firstly, the Bible speaks extensively about the value of work. From the very beginning, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15). Work is seen as a divine assignment that gives dignity and purpose. Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that “all hard work brings a profit,” suggesting that diligence and labor are valued.
Even as we age, the Scriptures suggest that our purpose doesn’t retire with us. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of continuing to press on towards the goal (Philippians 3:14). While he doesn’t refer to earthly retirement, the principle applied can help us understand that there is always a goal or purpose to strive for, irrespective of our age or employment status.
In Psalm 92:14, it speaks of the righteous still bearing fruit in old age, staying fresh and green. This can be understood as remaining active and purposeful, contributing to God’s work in ways that align with our abilities and stage in life. Similarly, Titus 2:2-3 encourages older men and women to live lives that are examples of good behavior to younger generations, suggesting mentorship and guidance as valuable roles.
Financial prudence is also a scriptural principle that applies to retirement. The Bible advises us to be wise stewards of what we have. Proverbs 6:6-8 praises the ant for gathering food in summer to provide for the future, which can be seen as an endorsement of the wisdom in planning and saving for times when we may not be able to work.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a time for every activity under heaven. Just as there is a time to work, there may also be a time to retire from our careers, but it doesn’t imply retiring from our Kingdom responsibilities. The idea is that while we may transition out of our professional roles, we continue to fulfill God’s purposes for us through different means.
In essence, the Bible promotes a balanced view of retirement. It emphasizes continuing to serve others, staying productive, and being wise with our resources. As we enter retirement, it’s an opportunity to shift our focus from career jobs to perhaps more volunteer work, ministry, or other forms of contributing to our community and family in meaningful ways.