<b>And Abraham was old, well stricken in age (Gen. 24:1).</b> R. Joshua the son of Nahmani said: Men become old prematurely because of four things: fear, grief caused by children, a wicked wife, and wars. We learn about fear from David, as it is written: <i>But David would not go before it to inquire of God; for he was terrified because of the sword of the angel of the Lord</i> (I Chron. 21:30), and that is followed by the verse: <i>And David was old</i> (ibid., v. 31). The consequences of grief brought on by children we learn from Eli. It is written: <i>Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel</i> (I Sam. 2:21). The effect of wars is recorded in what happened to Joshua after he fought with the thirty-one kings: <i>And Joshua was old, well stricken with years</i> (Josh. 23:1). We read about what transpires because of a wicked wife, in the verse: <i>It came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods</i> (I Kings 11:4). However, Abraham’s wife honored him and called him <i>my lord</i>, as is said: <i>And my lord is old</i> (Gen. 18:12). Concerning her Scripture states: <i>A Virtuous woman is a crown to her husband</i> (Prov. 12:4). Hence, it is written of him: <i>And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things</i> (Gen. 24:1).