Is there “retirement” in the Bible?
There is no “retirement” in the Bible. And according to ancient Jewish wisdom, if there is no such word in Hebrew, then the concept does not exist.
So to the Jews, there is no such concept of retirement. The Jews believe that no matter what age you are at, as long as you are mentally and physically capable of offering a service, you should do so. The term “financial freedom” tends to give one the wrong impression that once I have all the money I need, I shall be free. But that is not true. Because when you truly have all the money you needed, what would you do with your time?
Our society today has placed too much emphasis on youth and vigour. It is surely attractive to be able to remain young and vigorous. Yet the Bible never looks down upon the elderly. Instead the elderly are honoured because of their wisdom.
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
Proverbs 16:31
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
One should continue to serve others as far as one is still mentally and physically capable. You could resettle elsewhere or change the way you serve others, but failing to do so would be detrimental to oneself and society.
When one understands your Thoughts, Emotions and Actions (T.E.A), it helps one to be confident of your decisions. Whatever actions that one takes is never an ending. Because at any time, you can change your T.E.A. to better yourself. Assessing your T.E.A. is very important, because otherwise, if one does nothing, one would easily descend into chaos. (We mentioned in previous articles that chaos is the natural order of things, as God created the world out of a “formless and empty” state.)
Never retire!