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It is a dictate of natural conscience, that reverence is due to the aged merely on account of their age. The general practice of the heathen, both ancient and modern, confirms and illustrates this dictate of nature. And the Scriptures command us to show respect to the aged. When wisdom and piety accompany old age, it is peculiarly venerable.

I. ON WHAT ACCOUNTS AGED PIETY IS PECULIARLY HONOURABLE.

1. It began early. This must be supposed. It is implied in the expression "found" in the way of righteousness. Such a one hath been long walking in that way. Where persons have, with good Obadiah, feared the Lord from their youth, and walked in His fear all their days, they claim peculiar respect. They have indeed lived — lived to a good purpose. This will command honour from others.

2. Their piety is founded on knowledge and experience. Knowledge is gained by observation, reflection, reading, and converse. Our stock of knowledge naturally increaseth with advancing years. It will be more or less according to men's natural abilities, education, and pains taken in improving their understandings. The aged are not always wise, but they frequently are so, and always much wiser than younger persons of equal capacities, advantages, and applications. Aged saints are peculiarly honourable, because their knowledge is of the best kind, and applied to the best purposes. Their wisdom is an ornament of grace to them.

3. The piety of aged Christians is approved and steadfast. Many put on an appearance of piety to serve some secular purpose. But the piety of the aged Christian has been severely tested and proved, in the long and severe experiences of life. An aged saint is like a tree arrived at maturity, that, having brought forth fruit many years, in its season, stood many storms, and taken root the faster, is known by all around to be very valuable. He is rooted in the faith, grounded and settled.

4. The piety of the aged is attended with great usefulness. God is glorified when Christians bring forth much fruit: and in proportion to men's usefulness will be their honour. The piety of an aged Christian is much to the glory of God, as it shows the excellency of His dispensations. Aged saints are useful to mankind. They shine as lights in a dark world, and produce a secret veneration for religion in the hearts of those who will not be persuaded to pursue it They are living witnesses to the kindness of God's providence, the riches of His grace, and His faithfulness to His promises. They are patterns of patience, contentment, and thankfulness. Their prayers are serviceable to the world and to the Church. They are capable of giving excellent counsel.

5. Their piety renders them peculiarly ripe for glory. Graces shine brighter through the wrinkles that deform the countenance.

II. USEFUL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THIS SUBJECT.

1. The hoary head is a disgrace and reproach to an old sinner.

2. Aged saints ought be reverenced. Let us speak of them and to them with the greatest respect; tenderly pity, and patiently bear with, their weaknesses, and consider the excellences of their characters, as casting a lustre even over their infirmities.

3. Aged saints should proceed in the ways of righteousness, with thankfulness and courage.

4. It is the wisdom of young persons to enter on the ways of righteousness. There is very little hope for those who forget God in their youthful days.

(J. Orton.)

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KJV: The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

WEB: Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.