Proverbs 17:6 kjv
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 nkjv
Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.
Proverbs 17:6 niv
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17:6 esv
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 nlt
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 17 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 127:3-5 | "Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward... Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them!" | Children as divine blessing; multiple offspring |
| Ps 128:3-6 | "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine... Your children like olive shoots... May you see your children's children!" | Blessing of numerous descendants & longevity |
| Gen 50:23 | "And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation." | Patriarch seeing many descendants |
| Job 42:16 | "After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his children and his children’s children, four generations." | Longevity blessed with numerous progeny |
| Isa 65:23 | "They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them." | Blessed lineage & prosperous offspring |
| Prov 20:29 | "The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair." | Honor associated with wisdom of elders |
| Prov 1:8 | "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching..." | Importance of heeding parental wisdom |
| Prov 10:1 | "A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother." | Children's character reflects on parents |
| Prov 15:20 | "A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother." | Wise children bring joy to parents |
| Prov 23:24-25 | "The father of a righteous child will greatly rejoice... May your father and mother be glad..." | Righteous children are a source of parental joy |
| Exo 20:12 | "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long..." | Commandment to honor parents for blessing |
| Lev 19:32 | "You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God." | Respect for elders based on their wisdom/age |
| Eph 6:1-3 | "Children, obey your parents in the Lord... 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise)..." | Children's obedience leads to well-being |
| Tit 2:1-5 | "Older men are to be sober-minded... Older women likewise are to be reverent... that they may encourage the young women..." | Intergenerational teaching & spiritual mentorship |
| Joel 1:3 | "Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." | Transmitting history & faith across generations |
| Deut 4:9-10 | "Only take care... Make them known to your children and your children's children..." | Command to teach descendants God's decrees |
| Deut 6:6-7 | "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them..." | Diligent instruction of children in the Word |
| Mal 4:6 | "He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers..." | Reconciliation & harmony between generations |
| Prov 31:28 | "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her..." | Children's honor for a virtuous parent |
| 1 Tim 3:4-5 | "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive... for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" | Father's righteous leadership in household |
| Prov 4:1-2 | "Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good doctrine; do not forsake my teaching." | Father providing good instruction/doctrine for children |
| Ps 78:3-6 | "We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD..." | Passing divine truth to descendants |
| Prov 16:31 | "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." | Righteous elder's life as honorable |
Proverbs 17 verses
Proverbs 17 6 Meaning
Proverbs 17:6 encapsulates the deep value and honor embedded within intergenerational family relationships. It declares that grandchildren are a source of profound joy, dignity, and recognition for their grandparents, representing the successful perpetuation of their lineage and legacy. Conversely, the upright character and virtuous life of fathers bring honor, pride, and commendation to their children. This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of honor within a family unit, where each generation's conduct reflects upon the others, reinforcing the significance of a righteous heritage.
Proverbs 17 6 Context
Proverbs 17 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon" (Prov 10:1-22:16), a comprehensive collection of diverse proverbial statements offering practical wisdom for righteous living. This chapter, typical of the Proverbs, features self-contained sayings covering themes such as righteous and wicked behavior, wealth, folly, justice, and particularly, the dynamics of family relationships. Historically, ancient Israelite society was built upon strong family units, where lineage, continuation of descendants, and respect for elders were paramount. Longevity, particularly marked by a thriving progeny, was viewed as a profound blessing from God and a visible sign of covenant faithfulness. A family's public standing was inextricably linked to the reputation and conduct of its members, with the father as the patriarch holding a significant role. Proverbs 17:6 reinforces these deeply ingrained cultural and spiritual values, highlighting the reciprocal honors and responsibilities across generations within a divinely favored family.
Proverbs 17 6 Word analysis
- Children's children (בְּנֵי בָנִים - bə·nê vā·nîm): Literally "sons of sons" or "children of children," this phrase unequivocally denotes grandchildren or, more broadly, descendants. In the Israelite worldview, the perpetuation of one's lineage through successive generations was a supreme blessing, signifying not only prosperity and God's favor but also a enduring legacy for the patriarch. It confirmed that one's "seed" would continue, thrive, and uphold the family name.
- are the crown (עֲטֶרֶת - ʿă·ṭe·reṯ): This term refers to a diadem, garland, or circlet worn on the head, symbolizing honor, dignity, authority, glory, triumph, or celebration. For an elder, especially a patriarch, righteous grandchildren were considered the crowning achievement of a well-lived and blessed life. They were the ultimate sign of completion, the physical embodiment of God's favor and the successful cultivation of a generational heritage.
- of old men (זְקֵנִים - zə·qê·nîm): Refers to the elderly, often particularly the male elders who held significant positions of respect, wisdom, and leadership in Israelite society. The mention of "old men" emphasizes that this honor comes to those who have lived long enough to witness the continuity and flourishing of their lineage, embodying a successful and God-blessed life.
- and the glory (תִּפְאֶרֶת - tif·ʾe·reṯ): This term denotes beauty, splendor, adornment, praise, honor, or something that brings great pride and commendation. It signifies that which is admirable and a legitimate source of positive boasting.
- of children (בָּנִים - bā·nîm): This refers to sons or children in a general sense, encompassing the younger generation who are looking to their direct progenitors for identity and example.
- are their fathers (אֲבוֹתָם - ʾă·vō·ṯām): Denotes the direct progenitors, particularly the male heads of families or the patriarchs. The verse here points out that the upright conduct, integrity, wisdom, and noble reputation of the fathers are the source of pride, identity, and honor for their children. Children's standing and respect in the community are directly tied to their fathers' righteous living.
Word-Group/Phrase Analysis:
- "Children's children are the crown of old men": This clause highlights the profound blessing of having descendants, specifically grandchildren. It conveys that these grandchildren represent the culmination and pinnacle of an elder's life, bestowing dignity, recognition, and lasting legacy upon them. It implicitly signifies that the family line has not only continued but also prospered, indicating God's favor and faithfulness.
- "and the glory of children are their fathers": This reciprocal statement shifts focus to the role of fathers. It articulates that the honorable, wise, and righteous life lived by fathers directly bestows respect and a good name upon their children. The children find their "glory"—their reputation and source of pride—in the character and accomplishments of their fathers. This places a weighty responsibility on fathers to live commendably, understanding that their actions reflect directly on their offspring.
Proverbs 17 6 Bonus section
- This proverb underlines the biblical emphasis on a multi-generational legacy, extending beyond immediate family members to encompass a continuous stream of blessing and honor from one generation to the next.
- It implicitly calls for diligent parenting and grand-parenting, acknowledging that the character of one generation directly influences the honor of the next. This highlights the importance of spiritual and moral instruction within the family unit.
- The concept of "crown" for the old man and "glory" for the children signifies an ultimate form of honor. For elders, it's the fulfillment of a long life lived righteously; for children, it's the inheritance of a good name, which is more valuable than riches (Prov 22:1).
- The verse serves as a subtle exhortation for both children to honor their elders (particularly grandparents) and for fathers to live lives worthy of honor, fostering a familial environment rooted in mutual respect and righteousness.
Proverbs 17 6 Commentary
Proverbs 17:6 articulates a beautiful biblical truth about intergenerational honor within the family. It presents a twofold affirmation: first, the delight and dignity that grandchildren bring to their elderly grandparents; second, the pride and good reputation that righteous fathers confer upon their children. For the patriarch, the "old man," the sight of his "children's children" is his "crown"—a symbol of his fruitful legacy, a testimony to his successful life and the continuation of his lineage, a sign of divine blessing. This implies not just biological continuity, but also the transmission of values and perhaps faith. In reciprocity, "the glory of children are their fathers" highlights the profound impact of parental example. Children find their honor, their "glory," not primarily in their own achievements, but in the virtuous and respected lives of their fathers. A father's upright character, integrity, and godly example serve as a wellspring of respect and positive identity for his offspring. The proverb thus establishes a vital, reciprocal bond of honor and responsibility that spans generations, emphasizing that the well-being and esteem of each generation are interwoven with the character and legacy of the others. It challenges both young and old to live honorably for the sake of the entire family.