Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. New Living Translation Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. English Standard Version Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Berean Standard Bible Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. King James Bible The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. New King James Version The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. New American Standard Bible A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. NASB 1995 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. NASB 1977 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. Legacy Standard Bible Gray hair is a crown of beauty; It is found in the way of righteousness. Amplified Bible The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; It is found in the way of righteousness. Christian Standard Bible Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness. Holman Christian Standard Bible Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the way of righteousness. American Standard Version The hoary head is a crown of glory; It shall be found in the way of righteousness. Contemporary English Version Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right. English Revised Version The hoary head is a crown of glory, it shall be found in the way of righteousness. GOD'S WORD® Translation Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life. Good News Translation Long life is the reward of the righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown. International Standard Version Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path. NET Bible Gray hair is like a crown of glory; it is attained in the path of righteousness. New Heart English Bible Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is found in the path of righteousness. Webster's Bible Translation The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. World English Bible Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionGrey hairs [are] a crown of beauty, "" It is found in the way of righteousness. Young's Literal Translation A crown of beauty are grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found. Smith's Literal Translation Old age a crown of glorying, shall be found in the way of justice. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOld age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice. Catholic Public Domain Version Old age is a crown of dignity, when it is found in the ways of justice. New American Bible Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by a life that is just. New Revised Standard Version Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe hoary head is a crown of glory and is exalted in the way of righteousness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Old age is a crown of glory and the way of righteousness is praised. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The hoary head is a crown of glory, It is found in the way of righteousness. Brenton Septuagint Translation Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD…30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. 31Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. 32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.… Cross References Leviticus 19:32 You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. Job 12:12 Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Psalm 92:14 In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, Job 32:7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. 1 Kings 12:6-8 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. Titus 2:2-3 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. / Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, / older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing. Psalm 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,” / before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened, and the clouds return after the rain, / on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly, ... Genesis 25:8 And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people. Deuteronomy 34:7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished. 2 Samuel 19:32-35 Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” / But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? ... Treasury of Scripture The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. hoary Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Job 32:6,7 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion… if Genesis 47:7-10 And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh… 1 Samuel 12:2-5 And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day… 1 Chronicles 29:10 Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Jump to Previous Attained Beauty Crown Found Gained Glory Gray Grey Hair Hairs Head Hoary Life Righteous Righteousness Splendor WayJump to Next Attained Beauty Crown Found Gained Glory Gray Grey Hair Hairs Head Hoary Life Righteous Righteousness Splendor WayProverbs 16 1. The Plans of the heartGray hair is a crown of glory; In biblical times, gray hair was often associated with wisdom and experience. The imagery of a "crown" suggests honor and respect, indicating that old age is to be revered. In ancient Israelite culture, elders were esteemed for their life experiences and the wisdom they could impart. This concept is echoed in Leviticus 19:32, which instructs the Israelites to "stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly." The crown symbolizes not only honor but also the culmination of a life lived in accordance with God's will. The idea of a crown is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are promised a "crown of life" (James 1:12) for their faithfulness. it is attained along the path of righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel. His insights into life and godliness are captured in the book of Proverbs. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 3. Elders In the context of this verse, elders in the community were often seen as sources of wisdom and guidance, respected for their life experiences and understanding. Teaching Points The Value of ExperienceGray hair symbolizes a life lived with experience and wisdom. In a culture that often idolizes youth, this verse reminds us of the value and honor that come with age. Righteous Living The path to attaining this "crown of glory" is through righteousness. This suggests that a life lived in accordance with God's principles is one that is truly honorable. Respect for Elders The verse calls for a cultural and personal respect for those who have journeyed through life, encouraging us to seek their wisdom and honor their contributions. Wisdom Over Appearance In a world focused on external appearances, this verse challenges us to value inner wisdom and character over physical attributes. Role Models of Faith Elders who have walked the path of righteousness serve as role models for younger generations, demonstrating the rewards of a faithful life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:31?2. How does Proverbs 16:31 encourage valuing wisdom and righteousness in old age? 3. What role does righteousness play in attaining the "crown of glory"? 4. How can younger generations honor the wisdom of the elderly, as suggested here? 5. Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of wisdom and righteousness in aging? 6. How can we apply the principles of Proverbs 16:31 in our daily lives? 7. How does Proverbs 16:31 define the relationship between age and wisdom? 8. Does Proverbs 16:31 imply that all elderly people are wise? 9. How should Proverbs 16:31 influence our respect for the elderly? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16? 11. What is the biblical perspective on gray hair? 12. What is the biblical perspective on gray hair? 13. What is the Bible's perspective on aging? 14. What guidance does the Bible offer grandparents? What Does Proverbs 16:31 Mean gray hair—God’s visible badge of honor• “Gray hair is a crown of glory” (Proverbs 16:31). God Himself calls the aging process honorable, not embarrassing. • Scripture consistently pairs age with esteem. Leviticus 19:32 says, “You are to rise in the presence of the elderly and honor the old,” and Job 12:12 reminds us, “Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.” • Even physical strength has its place, but it cannot eclipse the dignity that comes with years; Proverbs 20:29 balances the two: “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair.” a crown earned, not handed out • Crowns in Scripture signify victory and reward—see Isaiah 28:5 and 2 Timothy 4:8, where the “crown of righteousness” is laid up for those who finish their race. • Likewise, gray hair testifies to battles fought, prayers answered, lessons learned. It says, “God has kept me this far.” • James 1:12 ties endurance to reward: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” Gray hair tells everyone that many of those tests have already been passed. the path of righteousness spelled out • The second half of the verse clarifies how the crown is gained: “it is attained along the path of righteousness.” Long life and godly living are meant to run side by side (Proverbs 3:1-2; Psalm 91:16). • “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18). The longer one walks that path, the brighter the witness becomes. • This is not a guarantee that every righteous person will live to old age, nor that every older person is righteous. It is a general, God-ordained pattern affirming that righteous living positions a person to enjoy and display the blessings of longevity. honor carries responsibility • Elders are called to more than passive respect; they must model godliness. Titus 2:2-3 urges older men and women to be “temperate, dignified, self-controlled… sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance.” • Psalm 71:17-18 shows the heartbeat of a righteous senior: “Even when I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation.” • 1 Peter 5:1-4 pictures seasoned believers shepherding the flock, not lording it over them. The gray-haired crown is meant for active service, mentoring, and testimony. a call to the younger • Respect and learn. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 urges younger believers to treat older men as fathers and older women as mothers. • Listen. Proverbs 23:22 says, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” • Follow their example of faith so that you, too, may one day wear the same crown (Ephesians 6:2-3). summary Proverbs 16:31 paints gray hair as a visible, God-given crown honoring a life walked along the path of righteousness. Age is not a burden to hide but a testimony to celebrate, challenging elders to keep leading and the young to keep learning, all under the unwavering truth that God rewards faithful living. (31) If it be found in the way of righteousness.--Rather, it is found; old age being promised as the reward of obedience. (Comp. Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 9:11; Proverbs 10:27.)Verse 31. - The hoary head is a crown of glory (Proverbs 20:29). (For "crown," see on Proverbs 17:6.) Old age is the reward of a good life, and therefore is an honour to a man (comp. Proverbs 3:2, 16; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 9:11; Proverbs 10:27). If it be found - rather, it shall be found - in the way of righteousness; the guerdon of obedience and holiness; whereas "bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days" (Psalm 55:23). It is well said in the Book of Wisdom (4, 5, etc.), "Honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years. But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Gray hairשֵׂיבָ֑ה (śê·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7872: Hoary head, old age [is] a crown עֲטֶ֣רֶת (‘ă·ṭe·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5850: A crown, wreath of glory; תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת (tip̄·’e·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8597: Beauty, glory it is attained תִּמָּצֵֽא׃ (tim·mā·ṣê) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present along the path בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ (bə·ḏe·reḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action of righteousness. צְ֝דָקָ֗ה (ṣə·ḏā·qāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively Links Proverbs 16:31 NIVProverbs 16:31 NLT Proverbs 16:31 ESV Proverbs 16:31 NASB Proverbs 16:31 KJV Proverbs 16:31 BibleApps.com Proverbs 16:31 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 16:31 Chinese Bible Proverbs 16:31 French Bible Proverbs 16:31 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory (Prov. Pro Pr) |
    |