Proverbs 16:31
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת
of glory
H8597
תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת
of glory
Strong's:
H8597
Word #:
2 of 6
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Proverbs 20:29The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.Leviticus 19:32Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.Philemon 1:9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures generally honored elderly, viewing longevity as divine blessing. Yet Scripture qualifies this—wicked old age brings shame, not glory (Isaiah 65:20). Examples: Abraham honored in old age (Genesis 25:8), David crowned with glory (1 Chronicles 29:28), but Eli died dishonored (1 Samuel 4:18). The proverb taught pursuing righteousness for glorious, honored old age or shameful decline.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you living now in ways that will make your old age a crown of glory or a source of shame?
- How does contemporary culture's youth obsession conflict with biblical respect for righteous age?
- What does it mean to pursue righteousness with a long-term view toward honored, godly old age?
Analysis & Commentary
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Ateret tif'eret seyvah (עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאֶרֶת שֵׂיבָה, a crown of glory is gray hair). Seyvah (שֵׂיבָה, gray hair, old age) can be glorious. Bederekh tsedaqah timmatse (בְּדֶרֶךְ צְדָקָה תִּמָּצֵא, in the way of righteousness it is found). The condition: righteousness. Old age isn't automatically honorable—only when accompanied by godly living. Leviticus 19:32 commands: "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man." Yet only righteous age deserves honor. Believers should pursue righteousness throughout life, aiming for honored old age.