Proverbs 4:9

She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

She shall give {H5414} to thine head {H7218} an ornament {H3880} of grace {H2580}: a crown {H5850} of glory {H8597} shall she deliver {H4042} to thee.

she will give your head a garland of grace, bestow on you a crown of glory."

She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”

She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee.

Commentary

Proverbs 4:9 is a beautiful personification of Wisdom, illustrating the profound rewards awaiting those who embrace her. Following the father's earnest instruction to his son in the preceding verses, this verse emphasizes that wisdom, when pursued and cherished, bestows honor, dignity, and beauty upon an individual, far surpassing any earthly adornment.

Context

This verse is part of a passionate appeal from a father to his son (likely King Solomon to his heir, though applicable to all) to prioritize and diligently seek wisdom above all else. The entire fourth chapter of Proverbs serves as a powerful exhortation to "get wisdom" (Proverbs 4:7) and hold her dear. Wisdom is not merely abstract knowledge but a practical, God-given understanding of how to live righteously and prosperously. The imagery here builds on the idea that wisdom is a living entity, capable of bestowing gifts.

Key Themes

  • The Personification and Value of Wisdom: Wisdom is presented as a benevolent figure ("She") who actively blesses her adherents. This highlights wisdom's active role in one's life and its inherent worth, described elsewhere as more valuable than silver or gold (Proverbs 3:14).
  • Honor and Dignity: An "ornament of grace" and a "crown of glory" are powerful symbols of honor, respect, and high standing in ancient cultures. Wisdom doesn't just provide inner peace; it elevates one's status and reputation in the community. It suggests a life lived well, earning the admiration of others and favor from God.
  • Beauty and Attractiveness: The "ornament of grace" (Hebrew: chen) implies an attractiveness and charm that comes from living wisely. It's not superficial beauty, but a spiritual and moral elegance that makes one appealing and respected.
  • Divine Endorsement: Ultimately, the honor and glory bestowed by wisdom come from God Himself. Seeking God's wisdom (James 1:5) leads to His favor and blessing, manifesting as a life adorned with grace and crowned with glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grace" in this verse is chen (Χ—Φ΅ΧŸ), which conveys favor, charm, elegance, and beauty. It often refers to the attractiveness that comes from a virtuous character and good conduct, earning favor with God and man. The term "glory" is from the Hebrew tiph'arah (Χͺִּ׀ְאָרָה), meaning splendor, beauty, honor, or renown. It speaks to a majestic and esteemed quality that wisdom confers, making the wise person stand out with dignity and respect.

Practical Application

For believers today, Proverbs 4:9 serves as a timeless reminder to prioritize Godly wisdom above all else. In a world that often values fleeting trends, material wealth, or superficial appearances, this verse redirects our focus to what truly brings lasting honor and beauty. Seeking wisdom through diligent study of God's Word, prayer, and discerning counsel will not only guide our steps but also bring a profound sense of purpose and respect that worldly pursuits cannot offer. It encourages us to live a life that reflects God's character, thereby becoming an "ornament of grace" and a "crown of glory" in His sight and in the eyes of others.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 1:9

    For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

  • 1 Peter 5:4

    And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

  • Hebrews 2:7

    Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

  • Hebrews 2:9

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

  • Proverbs 16:31

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

  • Isaiah 28:5

    In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

  • Revelation 3:21

    To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
← Back