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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 17:6.
They are so, that is, they should be so, and, if they conduct themselves worthily, they are so. 1. It is an honour to parents when they are old to leave children, and children's children, growing up, that tread in the steps of their virtues, and are likely to maintain and advance the reputation of their families. It is an honour to a man to live so long as to see his children's children (Psa 128:6; Gen 50:23), to see his house built up in them, and to see them likely to serve their generation according to the will of God. This crowns and completes their comfort in this world. 2. It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents, and to have them continued to them even after they have themselves grown up and settled in the world. Those are unnatural children who reckon their aged parents a burden to them, and think they live too long; whereas, if the children be wise and good, it is as much their honour as can be that thereby they are comforts to their parents in the unpleasant days of their old age.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
We must regard the woman's crown to be her husband, and the husband's crown to be marriage; and the flowers of marriage the children of both, which the divine husbandman plucks from meadows of flesh. "Children's children are the crown of old men." And the glory of children is their fathers, it is said; and our glory is the Father of all; and the crown of the whole church is Christ.
Instead of the pleasure that a person has in possessing one field and house, he who has passed over into the adoption of the children of God will enjoy a hundred times more all the riches that belong to the eternal Father and that he will possess as his own, and in imitation of the true Son he will proclaim by disposition and by virtue, “All that the Father has is mine.” No longer occupied with the criminal concern of distraction and worry, but secure and happy, he will enter everywhere as it were into his property, and every day he will hear it said to him by the apostle, “All things are yours, whether the world or things present or things to come.” And by Solomon, “The faithful man has a world of riches.” .
Instead of the joy that people experience from the possession of a single field or house those who have been adopted as children of God will enjoy a delight in riches a hundred times greater and possess as their own all things which belong to the eternal Father, and assert in heart and soul like the true Son: “All things that the Father has are mine.” If no longer occupied by criminal anxiety in distractions and cares, but free from care and glad at heart they go everywhere as to their own, they will hear daily the announcement made by the apostle: “For all things are yours, whether the world or things present or things to come;” and by Solomon: “The faithful has a world of riches.”
The crown of old men is the children of children, etc. He calls the patriarchs and prophets old men, who are celebrated with worthy praise by the children of children, that is, by the successors of the apostles; and it is a glory of the preachers of the New Testament that they have deserved to be sons of the old fathers.
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Summary
Proverbs 17:6 masterfully articulates the profound intergenerational honor and reciprocal joy inherent within a flourishing family unit. It posits that grandchildren serve as a visible "crown" of dignity and accomplishment for the elderly, symbolizing a blessed legacy and the successful continuation of a family line. Conversely, the proverb declares that children find their "glory" and standing in the righteous character and honorable reputation of their fathers, underscoring the enduring impact of parental integrity on their offspring's identity and societal esteem.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 17 is an eclectic collection of wisdom sayings, predominantly presented as concise couplets that offer practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life. While lacking a continuous narrative, the proverbs frequently address themes of family dynamics, justice, the power of speech, and the inevitable consequences of moral choices. Verse 6, though a standalone aphorism within this chapter, resonates deeply with the broader emphasis in Proverbs on the paramount importance of wisdom, character, and the blessing of a godly heritage. It immediately follows proverbs discussing the testing of hearts and the nature of wickedness, providing a contrasting picture of the blessings that accrue from a well-ordered and God-honoring life, particularly within the familial sphere.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, the family (the bet 'av, or "father's house") constituted the foundational social, economic, and religious unit. Lineage and the perpetuation of the family name were of paramount importance, often viewed as a divine blessing and a tangible sign of God's favor. The presence of numerous children, and especially grandchildren, was considered a testament to a long and fruitful life, ensuring the family's legacy, influence, and continuity. The elderly were held in high esteem for their accumulated wisdom and experience, and their honor was frequently tied to the prosperity and character of their descendants. Fathers, as patriarchs, wielded significant authority and bore the primary responsibility for the moral and spiritual upbringing of their children, with their reputation directly impacting the social standing of their offspring. This deeply ingrained cultural value system profoundly informed the proverb's assertion about generational honor.
Key Themes
This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of Generational Blessing and Legacy, emphasizing that the fruit of one's descendants, particularly grandchildren, is a visible sign of a life well-lived and a heritage successfully passed down. This echoes the promise of a numerous offspring given to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 and the depiction of children as a heritage from the Lord in Psalm 127:3. Another crucial theme is Parental Honor and Influence, as the proverb asserts that children derive "glory" from their fathers. This underscores the profound impact of a father's character, wisdom, and righteous living on the identity and reputation of his children, aligning with the commandment to honor parents found in Exodus 20:12. Finally, the proverb subtly promotes Reciprocal Respect and Interdependence within the family, illustrating how honor flows both ways—from descendants to elders and from parents to children—thereby strengthening the bonds of kinship and mutual pride.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H5850) refers to an adornment, dignity, or honor, often a circlet worn on the head. In this context, it signifies the high esteem, respect, and sense of fulfillment that grandchildren bring to their elderly grandparents. It is not merely an external decoration but an internal sense of worth and a public acknowledgment of a life that has successfully propagated its lineage and values. It implies a culmination of life's efforts and a visible sign of God's blessing on a long and fruitful life.
This word (H8597) denotes ornament, beauty, splendor, honor, or majesty. Here, it describes the pride, identity, and respect that children gain from their fathers. A father's good name, his integrity, his accomplishments, and his character reflect positively on his children, providing them with a strong foundation and a source of honor within the community. It suggests that children's standing is significantly enhanced by the reputation and conduct of their parents.
This pervasive term (H1121), derived from the root meaning "builder of the family name," encompasses a wide range of familial relationships beyond just direct offspring, including grandsons, descendants, or even members of a particular group. Its root meaning is highly relevant here, as it underscores the role of children and grandchildren in perpetuating the family's legacy and identity. The repetition of "children's children" (grandchildren) and "children" highlights the multi-generational scope of the proverb's wisdom, emphasizing the continuity and interconnectedness of family lineage.
Verse Breakdown
"Children's children are the crown of old men"
This clause highlights the honor and profound joy that grandchildren bring to their grandparents. The presence of grandchildren signifies a long life, a successful lineage, and the continuation of the family name, all of which were highly valued in ancient Israelite culture. Grandchildren are seen as a visible "crown," an adornment that bestows dignity, respect, and a deep sense of fulfilled legacy upon the elderly. It is a testament to God's blessing and the fruit of a life well-lived, a tangible expression of a lasting heritage.
"and the glory of children are their fathers"
This second clause emphasizes the reciprocal nature of intergenerational honor within the family. Children find their "glory"—their honor, identity, and standing—in their fathers. A father's good name, his wisdom, his righteous character, and his accomplishments reflect positively on his offspring. This means that a father's integrity and reputation provide a strong foundation and a source of pride for his children, profoundly influencing their social standing and personal identity within the community.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:6 employs several effective Literary Devices to convey its profound message about intergenerational honor. The primary device is Parallelism, specifically a form of Synonymous Parallelism where the two clauses express similar ideas of reciprocal honor across generations, albeit from different perspectives. "Children's children are the crown of old men" is beautifully balanced by "the glory of children are their fathers," creating a harmonious and reinforcing statement about the blessings inherent in family continuity. Furthermore, the proverb skillfully utilizes Metaphor, with "crown" and "glory" serving as powerful images. A "crown" is a potent symbol of royalty, honor, and achievement, metaphorically representing the dignity, fulfillment, and public recognition grandchildren bring to the elderly. "Glory" similarly functions as a metaphor for the honor, reputation, and identity that children inherit from their fathers. This rich use of metaphor elevates these familial relationships beyond mere biological connection, imbuing them with profound significance and spiritual value.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 17:6 beautifully encapsulates the biblical emphasis on the family as a primary sphere of God's blessing and the importance of intergenerational faithfulness. The concept of "crown" for the elderly through their descendants resonates with the broader biblical theme of a fruitful lineage as a sign of divine favor, a promise first given to Abraham and consistently affirmed throughout Israel's history. It underscores that a life lived in wisdom and righteousness yields not only personal blessing but also a legacy that extends to future generations, bringing honor to those who have gone before. Similarly, the "glory" children find in their fathers highlights the profound responsibility and privilege of parenthood, particularly fatherhood, in shaping the character and identity of the next generation. This reciprocal honor within the family unit reflects God's design for human flourishing, where mutual respect, legacy, and the transmission of godly values are paramount.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 17:6 offers profound insights for every generation, calling us to cultivate relationships that bring honor and blessing across the family tree. For grandparents and the elderly, this verse encourages a life of continued wisdom, faithfulness, and prayer, understanding that their very existence and the legacy they've built are a "crown" to their descendants. It invites them to cherish their grandchildren not just as beloved family members, but as a visible testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the fruit of their life's journey. For parents, especially fathers, the call is to live with integrity, character, and wisdom, recognizing that their actions and reputation directly contribute to the "glory" and identity their children will carry. This is a powerful reminder that our lives are not lived in isolation; our choices echo through generations, shaping the foundation upon which our children and grandchildren will build their own lives. For children, the proverb fosters a deep appreciation for their heritage and a call to honor their parents, understanding that their family's good name is a source of pride and a legacy to uphold. In a society that often fragments families, this proverb champions the beauty and strength of intergenerational connection, urging us to invest in relationships that bring mutual honor, joy, and a lasting legacy of faith and character.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "children's children are the crown of old men" mean?
This phrase means that grandchildren (children's children) bring great honor, dignity, and joy to their grandparents (old men). In ancient Israelite culture, having many descendants, especially grandchildren, was considered a profound blessing from God, a sign of a long and fruitful life, and a guarantee of the family's legacy. The "crown" symbolizes the respect, fulfillment, and public recognition that comes from seeing one's lineage continue and thrive. It signifies that the elderly person's life has been well-lived and blessed, culminating in the joy of seeing their family extend into future generations, much like a king wears a crown as a symbol of his authority and honor.
What does "the glory of children are their fathers" imply?
This part of the proverb signifies that children derive their honor, reputation, and standing (their "glory") from their fathers. In a patriarchal society, a father's character, wisdom, integrity, and social standing directly influenced the identity and respect accorded to his children. If a father lived righteously, was wise, and had a good reputation, his children would share in that honor and be proud of their heritage. Conversely, a father's poor choices could bring shame upon his children. Thus, it underscores the immense responsibility of fathers to live honorably, as their lives profoundly shape the identity and future of their offspring. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical emphasis on family lineage and the transmission of values, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 17:6, while rooted in the tangible blessings of earthly lineage, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual family He establishes. Jesus is the ultimate "Son" who brings eternal "glory" to the "Father" (as seen in John 17:1). Conversely, the Father's eternal "glory" is fully revealed in the Son (as in Hebrews 1:3). Through Christ, believers are adopted into God's eternal family, becoming "children of God" (as declared in John 1:12). In this spiritual sense, the Church, composed of these adopted children from every tribe and nation, becomes the "crown" and "glory" of Christ, who is the "Ancient of Days" (Daniel 7:9) and the true "Father of eternity" (Isaiah 9:6). Our spiritual lineage is not merely physical descent but a new birth into God's family, where Christ is our ultimate Father and the source of our eternal glory and identity, ensuring a legacy that transcends earthly generations and endures forever in the kingdom of God.