Proverbs 16:31 kjv

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31 nkjv

The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31 niv

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31 esv

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

Proverbs 16:31 nlt

Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 31 Meaning

Old age, symbolized by gray hair, is inherently a mark of honor and dignity, likened to a regal crown. However, this inherent glory is not automatic or merely based on longevity; it is truly earned and revealed as a thing of beauty and admiration only when a person's life has been consistently lived in conformity with God's moral and righteous standards. It emphasizes character and faithfulness over mere years lived.

Proverbs 16 31 Context

Proverbs 16 delves into the theme of divine sovereignty over human plans, contrasting human intention with God's ultimate determination. It repeatedly emphasizes that one's ways should be committed to the Lord, and it underscores the moral choices between righteousness and wickedness, wisdom and folly, pride and humility. This chapter portrays the fear of the Lord as a fountain of life and wisdom. Verse 31 specifically sits among proverbs that speak of justice, character, and the lasting benefits of a life lived according to divine principles (e.g., v. 8 on better little with righteousness, v. 12 on righteous lips being a delight, v. 20 on finding good through wisdom, v. 22 on understanding being a fountain of life). Historically and culturally, in ancient Israel and the wider Near East, old age and gray hair naturally commanded respect due to accumulated experience and proximity to tradition. This proverb refines that general reverence, stating that while the potential for honor exists, its true bestowal and inherent glory are conditioned upon a life journey walked consistently in integrity and moral rectitude according to God's standards. It implicitly warns against venerating age purely for its length, without considering the moral quality of that longevity.

Proverbs 16 31 Word analysis

• Hoary (שֵׂיבָה - seybah): Refers to gray or white hair. It is a visual, physical sign of advanced age. In the cultural context, it was often synonymous with wisdom and experience due to accumulated years. Its literal meaning signifies the natural outcome of a long life.
• Head (רֹאשׁ - rosh): Lit. "head," here used metonymically to represent the person of advanced age. It emphasizes the prominent and visible nature of gray hair.
• Is a crown (כֶּתֶר - keter): Keter means diadem, crown, or regal headdress. A crown is a symbol of royalty, authority, honor, and distinction. It implies inherent dignity, worth, and a respected position. It is a sign of ruling, not just decoration.
• Of glory (תִּפְאֶרֶת - tif'eret): Splendor, beauty, honor, majesty, ornament. Tif'eret conveys the radiant and awe-inspiring quality that commands admiration. It suggests a reputation of renown and honor, not just inward goodness but a recognition of that goodness.
• If it be found (בְּדֶרֶךְ יִמָּצֵא - b'derekh yimmatsei): This phrase introduces a critical condition. "Be found" (from matsa') implies that this condition must be observed or evident. It is not an assumed state but a reality that is proven through one's life. The glory is potential, only realized when this condition is met.
• In the way (בְּדֶרֶךְ - b'derekh): Derekh means a path, road, or journey. It is a foundational metaphor in Proverbs for one's course of life, manner of conduct, or habitual moral choices. It points to a consistent lifestyle, not just isolated acts.
• Of righteousness (צְדָקָה - tzedakah): Moral integrity, justice, uprightness, conformity to divine law. Tzedakah in Hebrew is a comprehensive term for ethical and spiritual rectitude. It denotes behavior that aligns with God's perfect standard, embodying justice, mercy, and faithfulness in all relationships. It goes beyond mere adherence to rules, embracing a just and honorable character.

Word-group analysis

• "The hoary head is a crown of glory": This phrase sets up the profound potential and high regard for old age. It likens a physical sign of aging to the highest symbol of honor and royalty. It suggests that, in the divine design, growing old is meant to lead to honor and splendor, not decay or irrelevance. This honor is not merely societal but carries an intrinsic, regal quality.
• "if it be found in the way of righteousness": This crucial clause qualifies the preceding statement, turning the potential into reality. It shifts the focus from merely surviving into old age to thriving in righteousness throughout life. The true glory is contingent upon a life lived consistently aligned with God's principles, embodying justice, moral integrity, and adherence to His revealed will. Without this foundation, old age, though respected physically, does not fully bear the "crown of glory" as intended.

Proverbs 16 31 Bonus section

• The divine perspective: This proverb aligns with God's consistent emphasis throughout Scripture on character and righteousness above superficial attributes. While human societies might superficially honor age, God's view grants true honor to a life lived in His fear.
• A challenge and a goal: For the young, it offers a motivation to begin early on the "way of righteousness," understanding that such a life culminates in glorious old age. For the elderly, it confirms that their lasting influence and honor derive from their faithful walk with God, rather than just their advanced years.
• Reversal in Scripture: While generally respecting the elderly, Scripture also presents instances where the aged are shown disgrace due to unrighteousness (e.g., Eli and his wicked sons; 1 Sam 2-4). This contrast further underscores the conditional nature of the "crown of glory" in Proverbs 16:31.
• Beyond physical aging: The principle extends to any "seniority" or "veteranship" in spiritual or professional life—true honor in leadership or experience is tied directly to upright character and actions, not merely duration.

Proverbs 16 31 Commentary

Proverbs 16:31 presents a profound truth about the nature of honor derived from old age. It acknowledges the natural respect accorded to those who have lived long lives, visually marked by gray hair. This physical manifestation of age is compared to a crown, symbolizing a regal dignity and a natural source of societal honor. However, the proverb swiftly introduces a critical qualification: this true and enduring glory is not granted by age alone, but is contingent upon the life lived. The genuine honor and the true radiance of "the hoary head" are realized only when that long life has been a "way of righteousness"—a continuous journey characterized by integrity, moral uprightness, and obedience to God's commands. It’s not just about accumulating years, but about accumulating virtue and faithfulness over those years. An unrighteous old age, though physically present, falls short of bearing this intended divine glory. Thus, the verse teaches that character, consistently pursued through adherence to God's will, is the ultimate source of true honor and glory, crowning the latter years of life with a beauty that transcends mere physical appearance.