John Gill Bible Commentary

And if it be from sixty years old and above,.... When man is almost past his labour, and it is high time to leave off business: if it be a male, then thy estimation shall between shekels; about one pound fifteen shillings: and for the female ten shekels; about one pound three shillings; it may be observed that there is not the disproportion between a man and a woman in old age as in youth, with respect to the estimation of them; the reason of which is, because there is but little difference in their labour and service; nay, sometimes the woman is most useful and serviceable; for when a man, through age, is quite worn out and his labour gone, an older woman is capable of managing the affairs of the family, and is of great use and service, either by directing and advising, or by doing: so Jarchi observes, when persons come to old age, a woman is nearly to be reckoned as a man, and quotes a proverb of theirs, an old man in a house is a broken potsherd in the house (some interpret the word, a snare or stumbling block, that is in the way); an old woman in a house is a treasure in a house, a good sign in a house (p), of great use in the management of the affairs of the family. (p) T. Bab. Eracin, fol. 19. 1. vid. Yalkut, par. 1. fol. 198. 1.