Proverbs 20:29 kjv

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

Proverbs 20:29 nkjv

The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.

Proverbs 20:29 niv

The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:29 esv

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Proverbs 20:29 nlt

The glory of the young is their strength;
the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 29 Meaning

Proverbs 20:29 succinctly captures the essence of distinct virtues valued in different stages of life. It proclaims that the strength and vitality characteristic of youth are their distinguishing honor, while the gray hair of the elderly signifies their dignity, wisdom, and the accumulated experience that brings respect and reverence. The verse does not present these attributes as competing but as complementary aspects of human existence, each holding its own form of beauty and recognition from God's perspective.

Proverbs 20 29 Context

Proverbs, as a book of wisdom, frequently contrasts different facets of human life, behavior, and character, offering practical guidance for living in God's ways. Chapter 20 specifically touches on themes of divine insight into human motives (vv. 24, 27), the dangers of various vices (e.g., v. 1 laziness, v. 4 drunkenness), the importance of justice and righteous rule (vv. 8, 26), and the blessing of labor (v. 13). Verse 29 fits within this broader wisdom tradition, serving as an observation on the natural order and value of distinct life stages within the community. In ancient Israelite society, old age and the wisdom accompanying it were highly esteemed, viewed as a blessing from God, and were critical for leadership and guidance within families and communities. Youthful strength was likewise appreciated as the natural vigor and potential for productivity. The verse implicitly promotes a balanced respect for both youth and elders, contrasting a purely physical or worldly valuing with a holistic, divinely inspired appreciation for the unique contributions of each.

Proverbs 20 29 Word analysis

• The glory / splendor (Hebrew: תִּפְאֶרֶת tif'eret for "glory" regarding young men, and וַהֲדַר vahaḏar for "splendor" regarding old men):

  • Tif'eret (תִּפְאֶרֶת): Signifies splendor, glory, beauty, adornment, magnificent beauty. It is a powerful term often used for majestic displays, even of God's glory. Here, it attributes intrinsic beauty and distinction to youthful strength, elevating it beyond mere physical capability to a form of honorable adornment.
  • Vahaḏar (וַהֲדַר): From the root hadar, meaning "to honor, glorify, respect." It denotes majesty, dignity, glory, or splendor. It often carries a connotation of grave or reverent respect, fitting for the elderly. The slight shift in the Hebrew term for "glory/splendor" across the two parts might subtly highlight different aspects of honor associated with each age group: tif'eret suggesting inherent, outward beauty and dynamism, while hadar emphasizes reverent dignity and majestic presence. Both terms denote highly desirable and respectable qualities.

• of young men (Hebrew: בַּחוּרִים baḥūrim): Refers to select young men, vigorous and in the prime of their physical capabilities, ready for battle or hard labor. It suggests a time of physical maturity and abundant energy.

• is their strength (Hebrew: כֹּחָם kōḥām): This term denotes physical power, might, vigor, or force. For young men, their strength represents their ability to perform tasks, bear burdens, protect, and exert energy. It is not merely a physical attribute but a capacity for action and vitality.

• of old men (Hebrew: זְקֵנִים zəqēnīm): Denotes elders or older men. In ancient Israel, elders held significant positions of authority, counsel, and respect within the community, acting as leaders and judges.

• is their gray hair (Hebrew: שֵׂיבָה śêḇāh): Literally means "gray hair" or "hoary head." Beyond a physical characteristic of aging, gray hair universally symbolizes longevity, experience, wisdom, dignity, and often the associated respect due to a person who has lived long and accumulated knowledge and discernment. In Scripture, it is repeatedly called a "crown of glory" (Pr 16:31), indicating divine blessing and honor.

Words-group analysis:

• "The glory of young men is their strength": This phrase asserts that youthful vigor and capacity for powerful action are their distinct attributes and source of esteem. It speaks to the dynamism, potential, and inherent value found in the younger generation.
• "and the splendor of old men is their gray hair": This parallel statement declares that the visible sign of aging – gray hair – serves as a symbol of the accumulated wisdom, experience, and the quiet dignity and authority that naturally belong to those of advanced years. It points to a deep, often less outwardly kinetic, but equally profound source of honor and societal value.
• The inherent contrast and complementary nature: The verse elegantly presents a dichotomy. The glory of youth is active, embodied in physical capacity and energy. The splendor of old age is passive in its symbol (gray hair) but active in its associated qualities (wisdom, experience, counsel). This contrast highlights the distinct yet equally valid contributions and respected qualities of each generation, fostering mutual appreciation and interdependence within society.

Proverbs 20 29 Bonus section

The Hebrew parallelism employed in this verse, juxtaposing two distinct but related ideas, emphasizes their balance and interdependence rather than their opposition. The verse implicitly promotes an integrated community where both groups are respected for their distinct qualities and can contribute to the common good. While strength can be seen as transient and physical, and gray hair as merely an external sign, the deeper truth presented is that these are markers of divinely given periods of life, each imbued with unique purpose and honor. This teaching pushes back against any cultural tendency to glorify only youth (and its ephemeral strength) or only old age (potentially for its past achievements, ignoring its present wisdom). Instead, it sanctifies both states as inherently honorable and purposeful within God's ordered world.

Proverbs 20 29 Commentary

Proverbs 20:29 is a profound statement on generational appreciation, underscoring God's design for different phases of life to bear unique virtues and command specific forms of honor. It is not a declaration of superiority of one age over another but rather an articulation of what intrinsically lends beauty and respect to each. Youth is characterized by its vigor, potential, and dynamic energy—qualities essential for initiating new ventures and executing challenging tasks. Old age, symbolized by gray hair, signifies accumulated experience, measured wisdom, and profound understanding. This wisdom allows for guidance, sound counsel, and the preservation of foundational values and traditions. A healthy community acknowledges, respects, and harnesses both the strength of its youth and the wisdom of its elders. To despise the energy of the young or to disregard the counsel of the old is to deny a part of God's good design for humanity. Practically, this verse encourages mentorship, intergenerational ministry, and mutual respect, valuing active service alongside quiet wisdom, fostering a society where all ages find purpose and contribute meaningfully.