LEV779 We are obligated to honor Torah scholars and the aged. This verse requires us to honor a Torah scholar, even if he is not aged, and an elderly person, even if he is not a Torah scholar (Kidushin 32b). Old in this verse does not merely refer to someone who is elderly; it also refers to mature in wisdom. A young scholar sees with his wisdom what the average person sees with his years (Chinuch 257). Failure to show respect toward Torah scholars is a very serious matter. Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 students--all Torah scholars--who died within a thirty-three day period as a punishment for not treating each other with proper respect (Yevomos 62b). [Transcriber's note: Author provides details regarding how to fulfill this commandment].