The period of retirement is a significant phase in anyone’s life, often seen as a time for rest, reflection, and new beginnings.
For many, it’s a moment to step away from the grind of work and embrace the fruits of years of labor.
However, for Christians, retirement is not a time of idleness but a season during which we can continue serving God, impacting others, and using our experiences to guide the next generation.
The Bible offers wisdom for this stage of life, reminding us that no matter our age, we are called to live with purpose, faith, and service, honoring God in all things.
Bible Verses About Retirement
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A Time for Everything
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
2. Psalm 92:12-14 – Flourishing in Old Age
“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.”
3. Proverbs 16:31 – A Crown of Glory
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
4. 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Renewed in the Inner Being
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
5. Isaiah 46:4 – Sustained by God
“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.”
6. Matthew 25:21 – Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'”
7. Colossians 3:23 – Work as for the Lord
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
8. 1 Timothy 5:8 – Providing for Family
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
9. Psalm 71:9 – Do Not Forsake Me When I Am Old
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”
10. Titus 2:2-3 – Teach the Younger Generation
“Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”
11. Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom in Old Age
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
12. 2 Samuel 19:35 – A Long Life is a Blessing
“I am now 80 years old. Can I tell the difference between what is good and what is bad? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of men and women singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?”
13. 1 Peter 5:5 – Humility in All Things
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
14. Hebrews 6:10 – God Will Not Forget Your Work
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
15. Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor God with Your Wealth
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
16. Luke 12:42-44 – Faithful Stewardship
“The Lord answered, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.'”
17. 1 Chronicles 29:28 – Retirement After Faithful Service
“He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king.”
18. Deuteronomy 34:7 – Full of Life in Old Age
“Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.”
19. Psalm 119:9-11 – Purity in All Ages
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
20. Philippians 3:13-14 – Pressing Toward the Goal
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
21. Psalm 71:18 – Never Stop Proclaiming God’s Power
“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.”
22. Acts 20:35 – It Is More Blessed to Give
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
23. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Finished the Race
“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.”
24. 2 Chronicles 24:15 – Faithful in Old Age
“Now Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a hundred and thirty. He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple.”
25. Romans 12:11 – Serve the Lord with Zeal
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
26. Revelation 14:13 – Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”
27. Proverbs 13:22 – A Good Legacy
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
28. Mark 10:29-30 – Rewards for Sacrifice
“Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
29. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
30. Romans 14:8 – Living for the Lord
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
31. 1 Peter 4:10 – Using Gifts to Serve Others
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
32. Isaiah 40:31 – Renewed Strength in the Lord
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
33. Psalm 37:3-5 – Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
34. Proverbs 23:18 – Hope in the Lord
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
35. Philippians 1:6 – He Who Began a Good Work
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Retirement
Retirement is not a time to cease serving God but an opportunity to enter a new season of life where we can rest, reflect, and continue to serve His purposes.
The Bible encourages us to embrace each stage of life with joy, faithfulness, and a desire to honor God in all that we do.
Retirement offers a chance to invest in others, share wisdom, and finish well in the race of faith.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the seasons of life and the opportunity to serve You faithfully.
As I enter retirement, help me to remain fruitful and purposeful, continuing to serve Your kingdom.
Strengthen me with Your peace and renew my joy in this new chapter.
May I use my time, talents, and resources to glorify You and bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.