Proverbs 1:9
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י׀
H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לִוְיַ֤ת
For they shall be an ornament
H3880
לִוְיַ֤ת
For they shall be an ornament
Strong's:
H3880
Word #:
2 of 7
something attached, i.e., a wreath
חֵ֓ן
of grace
H2580
חֵ֓ן
of grace
Strong's:
H2580
Word #:
3 of 7
graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)
לְרֹאשֶׁ֑ךָ
unto thy head
H7218
לְרֹאשֶׁ֑ךָ
unto thy head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 7
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:9She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.Daniel 5:29Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.Proverbs 3:22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.Genesis 41:42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;Isaiah 3:19The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,Ezekiel 16:11I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.
Historical Context
Ornamental headpieces and chains signified honor and status in ancient society. Solomon draws on familiar cultural symbols to illustrate wisdom's value, showing how it confers true dignity beyond mere social position.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does wisdom make a person more beautiful in God's sight?
- How can you cultivate the kind of character that adorns the gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of ornamental grace speaks to wisdom's beautifying effect on character. Just as external adornment was visible, so wisdom creates observable transformation. This prefigures the NT teaching that godliness adorns doctrine (Titus 2:10), making the gospel attractive through sanctified living.