LEV775 When the average adult or even a youngster is asked how an old person should be treated, the usual answer is "with respect." When the same person is asked why they should be so, they usually do not have an answer. Judaism has very specific answers. The reason a Jew must respect an old person is because the Torah says so as a commandment [this verse]. The Talmud (Kiddushin 32b) explains the reason by stating that the Hebrew word zaken (old person) is actually an acronym for the words "He who has acquired wisdom." Apparently, according to the Talmud, every old person, even with a limited education, has acquired wisdom simply by living and experiencing life. Book knowledge is not required for a person to acquire wisdom. Although many people have knowledge, they do not possess the wisdom on how to apply that knowledge to life's situations. This type of wisdom an old person necessarily achieves because of his or her experience. Thus, the Torah requires that an old person receive the respect of all.