Retirement is a time of change, a shift from labor to leisure, and a period to pursue personal passions and interests that time may not have permitted thus far. As one enters this new phase of life, guidance and wisdom can be sought from the Bible to navigate the journey, understand its purpose, and imbibe peace. The Bible offers insightful lessons about retirement, addressing the importance of rest, the value of using one’s time wisely, and the significance of continued service to God and community during this period of life.
What Does the Bible Teach About Retirement?
The concept of modern retirement is not directly addressed in the Bible. However, the Bible provides profound principles applicable to any phase of life, including retirement. One key principle derived from the Bible is finding rest in God, akin to the cessation of labor that retirement often symbolizes. The Bible encourages believers to look to God for rest, to cast off burdens and anxieties and to find solace. This rest extends beyond physical reprieve; it entails spiritual and emotional tranquillity, reminding retirees of the importance of rest not just from work, but also within their minds and spirits.
Why Is Wise Use of Time Important in Retirement According to the Bible?
Another noteworthy biblical principle relevant to retirement is the wise use of time. The Bible teaches that life is short and that each day should be lived purposefully. This insight is particularly crucial for retirees, as they often have more discretionary time. The Bible urges retirees to use this time wisely, spending it on activities that contribute to their growth, their relationship with God, and their service to others. This can mean a myriad of things, such as pursuing a neglected hobby, dedicating time to prayer and fellowship, or volunteering in the community.
Who Can Benefit From the Bible’s Teachings About Retirement?
While the teachings of the Bible around retirement are especially pertinent to those at the precipice of or already journeying through this new phase, they can bring wisdom to people across different life stages. Younger individuals can apply these principles as they plan for their futures, understanding the value of resting in God and using time wisely. Meanwhile, those already retired can use biblical principles to navigate anxieties around retirement, ensuring they use their newfound freedom in fulfilling and beneficial ways.
Where Can the Bible’s Guidance be Applied in Retirement?
The wisdom derived from the Bible can be applied broadly in retirement. From personal endeavors to approach to community engagements and spiritual growth, the Bible’s teachings can be reflected in every aspect of a retiree’s life. Whether it’s finding rest in daily activities, making wise use of time in service to others, or seeking personal growth through learning and exploration, biblical teachings provide a vast and endless field of guidance during retirement.
When Should One Refer to the Bible For Retirement Guidance?
The Bible’s insights can be sought at any point for enlightenment on retirement. Whether one is nearing retirement, already in retirement, or many years away from it, biblical wisdom on the subject remains salient. One may also turn to these teachings in times of uncertainty, during moments of boredom, or while seeking a renewed perspective on how to live this stage of life meaningfully. The Bible’s teachings are timeless, appropriate for every season of life, making it a reliable guide through the transition and trajectory of retirement.
Below is our full list of bible verses on retirement (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Retirement
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Acts 20:24
“24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Related Themes: Quitting Life Grace Selflessness
Numbers 8:23-26
“23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.”
Luke 1:23
“23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.”
Psalm 92:12-14
“12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;”
2 Timothy 4:7
“7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
Related Themes: Faith Determination Giving Up Quitting Exercise
Proverbs 13:22
“22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Children Inheritance Grandparents
Luke 12:16-21
“16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Lust Indulgence
Ecclesiastes 3:1-10
“1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.”
Related Themes: Frustration Time Seasons Life Reaping
Psalm 37:25
“25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
Related Themes: Old Age Grandparents Homelessness Aging
Matthew 6:19-21
“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Materialism Coveting
Philippians 1:6
“6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Perseverance Hope Self Confidence Frustration
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Luke 12:33-34
“33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Homelessness Money Heart
Psalm 90:16-17
“16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
Hebrews 6:10
“10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Related Themes: Serving Others Labor Benevolence Fairness Serving God
Nehemiah 5:19
“19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”
Luke 14:28
“28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”
Related Themes: Money Finances Frustration
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Respecting Your Parents Children Laziness
Hebrews 13:5-6
“5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Related Themes: Money Loneliness Finances Complaining Greed
2 Samuel 7:28
“28 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:”
Related Themes: Trust
Proverbs 21:20
“20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Business Wisdom Stewardship
Numbers 6:24-26
“24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Related Themes: Birthday Saying Goodbye Peace Health Children
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
Related Themes: Happiness Celebration
Matthew 11:28-30
“28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Related Themes: Frustration Rest Depression Hope Rest
Psalm 23:3
“3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Related Themes: Restoration Direction Refreshing Righteousness
Isaiah 43:19
“19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
Related Themes: New Beginnings New Life Omnipotence Business
Mark 6:31
“31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”
Related Themes: Rest Solitude Recreation
Numbers 8:23-25
“23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more:”
Proverbs 16:31
“31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Old Age Hair Grandparents Aging
