Proverbs 20:29

¶ The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the gray head.

The glory {H8597} of young men {H970} is their strength {H3581}: and the beauty {H1926} of old men {H2205} is the gray head {H7872}.

The pride of the young is their strength; the dignity of the old is gray hair.

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

The glory of young men is their strength; And the beauty of old men is the hoary head.

Proverbs 20:29 offers a concise and insightful proverb that contrasts the defining characteristics and honors of different life stages: youth and old age. It highlights that what is valued and seen as "glory" or "beauty" naturally shifts with the progression of life.

Context

As part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, the Book of Proverbs often presents observations about life, human nature, and God's order, frequently in short, memorable couplets. This verse reflects an ancient Israelite perspective that valued both physical vigor and accumulated wisdom. In a society where physical labor and military prowess were significant, the strength of young men was clearly their advantage and source of honor. Conversely, longevity and the wisdom gained through years of experience were highly esteemed, making the "gray head" a symbol of respect and authority.

Key Themes

  • Complementary Roles of Generations: The verse doesn't pit youth against age but rather defines the unique contributions and honors of each. Young people bring energy, physical capability, and zeal, while older individuals offer discernment, experience, and stability. This suggests a divine design where each stage of life has its own inherent value and purpose.
  • Wisdom as a Mark of Age: While strength defines youth, the "gray head" signifies the passage of time, which ideally brings wisdom and understanding. This theme is echoed elsewhere in Proverbs, such as in Proverbs 16:31, which calls the hoary head a "crown of glory" when found in the way of righteousness.
  • Honoring Age and Experience: The phrase "beauty of old men is the gray head" implies that the visible signs of age should be regarded with honor and respect. This aligns with other biblical commands to show deference to the elderly and their accumulated wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" in relation to young men is hadar (הָדָר), which implies splendor, majesty, or honor, often associated with outward appearance or vigor. For old men, "beauty" is ti'pheret (תִּפְאֶרֶת), which also means glory, splendor, or adornment. The use of these distinct but related terms emphasizes that both strength and age are forms of honor, though manifested differently. The "gray head" (שֵׂיבָה, seybah) is a common biblical idiom for old age and the wisdom accompanying it.

Practical Application

This proverb encourages a balanced perspective on life's stages. Young people are called to steward their strength, energy, and physical capabilities for productive and righteous purposes, serving God and their communities. Older individuals are encouraged to embrace their age, recognizing that their experience and wisdom are invaluable assets to be shared, mentored, and passed on to younger generations. The verse fosters mutual respect between generations, where the young honor the wisdom of the old, and the old appreciate the vitality and potential of the young, fostering a healthy, thriving community that values all its members.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 2:14

    I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

  • Proverbs 16:31

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

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Jeremiah 9:24

    But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.
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