Proverbs 4:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 4:9 beautifully personifies Wisdom as a benevolent and regal figure who bestows profound honor, dignity, and enduring beauty upon those who diligently seek and embrace her. This verse, a climactic promise within a father's earnest instruction to his son, assures that a life lived in pursuit of and obedience to divine wisdom will be adorned with an intrinsic grace and crowned with an undeniable glory, symbolizing a life of deep respect, spiritual attractiveness, and divine favor that far transcends any fleeting earthly adornment or temporal achievement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 4:9 serves as a powerful conclusion to a father's impassioned and tender exhortation to his son, which spans the entirety of [Proverbs 4](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Father's Instruction to His Son"). The preceding verses establish wisdom as the "principal thing" and urge the son to "get wisdom" and "get understanding" [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"), emphasizing its supreme value above all else. The chapter opens with a direct appeal to "Hear, my children, the instruction of a father" [Proverbs 4:1](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1 - Hear the Instruction of a Father"), setting a didactic and deeply personal tone. The imagery in verse 9 builds upon the consistent personification of Wisdom found throughout Proverbs, notably introduced in [Proverbs 1:20-33](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - Wisdom's Call") and further developed in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Excellence"). This personification presents Wisdom not as an abstract concept but as an active, living entity capable of bestowing tangible and transformative rewards, making the blessings of wisdom concrete and desirable.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, head adornments such as wreaths, garlands, and crowns were potent and widely recognized symbols. They signified honor, high status, victory, royalty, and divine favor. A "crown of glory" or an "ornament of grace" would immediately communicate that the wearer was a person of significant esteem, authority, or one who had achieved notable success and recognition. Unlike many modern societies where status is often tied to material wealth or fleeting fame, in ancient Israel, wisdom, righteousness, and a good name were profoundly valued as sources of true honor and societal respect. Kings wore crowns as emblems of their rule and divine appointment, and victors in athletic contests or battles were frequently adorned with wreaths. Therefore, the vivid imagery in [Proverbs 4:9](/proverbs/4-9 "Proverbs 4:9 - Wisdom's Ornament and Crown") would have resonated deeply with its original audience, conveying that wisdom grants a status and an inherent beauty far superior and more enduring than any mere earthly accolade, a status recognized and honored by both God and the community.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 4:9](/proverbs/4-9 "Proverbs 4:9 - Wisdom's Ornament and Crown") powerfully reinforces several central themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs, and particularly within [Proverbs 4](/proverbs/4 "Proverbs 4 - The Father's Instruction to His Son"). Firstly, it underscores **The Personification and Supreme Value of Wisdom**. Wisdom is not merely abstract knowledge but an active, benevolent agent who generously rewards her devotees, emphasizing her inherent worth as more precious than any material riches (cf. [Proverbs 3:14-15](/proverbs/3-14-15 "Proverbs 3:14-15 - Wisdom's Value Compared to Gold")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Honor, Dignity, and Reputation**. The "ornament of grace" and "crown of glory" serve as powerful metaphors for the profound respect, prestige, and moral beauty that wisdom bestows, elevating one's standing in the community and before God. This is not a superficial or transient beauty but a profound attractiveness stemming from a virtuous character and righteous conduct. Lastly, the verse points to **Divine Endorsement and Blessing**. The ultimate source of the honor and glory bestowed by wisdom is God Himself, who delights in those who seek and embody His truth, promising to bless them richly (cf. [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** From H2580, this word conveys graciousness, kindness, and favor (subjective), or beauty and pleasantness (objective). In [Proverbs 4:9](/proverbs/4-9 "Proverbs 4:9 - Wisdom's Ornament and Crown"), it speaks to an inherent attractiveness and charm that flows from a virtuous character and wise conduct, earning favor with both God and humanity. It implies an inner beauty and moral excellence that manifests outwardly, making one pleasant, well-regarded, and truly "well-favored."
* **ornament (Hebrew, _livyâh'_):** From H3880, meaning "something attached, i.e., a wreath." This refers to an adornment, specifically a garland or wreath worn on the head. It symbolizes honor, beauty, and distinction, suggesting that wisdom itself becomes a beautiful and honorable decoration for the one who possesses it, setting them apart and marking them as distinguished.
* **glory (Hebrew, _tiphʼârâh'_):** From H8597, meaning "ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively); beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty." This term signifies splendor, majesty, and renown. When applied to wisdom's gift in [Proverbs 4:9](/proverbs/4-9 "Proverbs 4:9 - Wisdom's Ornament and Crown"), it denotes a majestic and esteemed quality that wisdom confers, causing the wise person to stand out with dignity, respect, and a radiant reputation that reflects divine approval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace:"** This clause vividly personifies Wisdom ("She") as an active, benevolent giver, bestowing a precious gift. The "ornament of grace" (Hebrew: *livyâh chên*) refers to a beautiful, wreath-like adornment for the head. This signifies that wisdom imparts not merely intellectual understanding but also a spiritual, moral, and aesthetic beauty that profoundly enhances one's character and public perception. It implies that wisdom makes one attractive, pleasant, and favored, not superficially, but through the inherent goodness, integrity, and rightness of a life guided by divine truth. This adornment is an inner quality that radiates outward, earning respect and admiration.
* **"a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."** This parallel clause reinforces and intensifies the promise of the preceding phrase. A "crown of glory" (Hebrew: *ʻăṭârâh tiphʼârâh*) is a powerful symbol of ultimate honor, majesty, and renown, often associated with royalty or triumph. The verb "deliver" (Hebrew: *mâgan*, from H4042, meaning to shield or hand safely over) implies a secure, protected, and certain bestowal, as if wisdom is guarding this honor specifically for the recipient. This suggests that wisdom elevates an individual to a position of high esteem and respect, granting them a reputation and standing that is both majestic and divinely approved, far outshining any fleeting worldly accolades and securing an enduring legacy of honor.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 4:9 is rich with **Personification**, presenting Wisdom as a living, active entity ("She") capable of bestowing gifts and delivering rewards. This device makes an abstract concept tangible and emphasizes Wisdom's benevolent and proactive role in the life of the one who embraces her. The verse also employs profound **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** through the imagery of an "ornament of grace" and a "crown of glory." These are not literal physical objects but powerful symbols of honor, dignity, beauty, and high standing. The "head" serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing the entire person, implying that the honor and beauty bestowed by wisdom permeate and define one's whole being, character, and public identity. The skillful use of **Parallelism** in the two clauses, where the second clause echoes and intensifies the first, reinforces the central message and adds poetic rhythm and emphasis to the profound and lasting rewards of wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 4:9 encapsulates the Old Testament's profound esteem for wisdom, portraying it as a divine gift that transforms the individual's character and standing. The "ornament of grace" and "crown of glory" are not merely earthly accolades but profound reflections of God's favor and the inherent beauty of a life lived in accordance with His truth. This verse connects to the broader biblical theme that true honor, lasting beauty, and genuine significance come from within, rooted in a right relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than from external appearances, material possessions, or worldly achievements. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of spiritual adornment, where believers are called to clothe themselves with virtues that reflect the character of Christ and the beauty of holiness.

* [Proverbs 3:35](/proverbs/3-35 "Proverbs 3:35 - The Wise Inherit Glory")
* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1-peter/3-3-4 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Beauty of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:9 serves as a profound call to re-evaluate our priorities, reminding us that true beauty, honor, and lasting significance are found not in fleeting trends, superficial validation, or material possessions, but in the diligent pursuit and embodiment of God's wisdom. In a world often obsessed with external appearances and the accumulation of wealth or status, this verse redirects our gaze inward, urging us to cultivate a character adorned with grace and crowned with glory through a life submitted to divine truth. It encourages us to seek wisdom from God's Word, through fervent prayer, and in community with other believers, knowing that such a pursuit will not only guide our steps and shape our decisions but also confer a profound sense of purpose, earn genuine respect, and bestow an enduring beauty that worldly pursuits can never offer. It challenges us to live in such a way that our lives become a compelling testament to the transformative power of God's wisdom, reflecting His character and drawing others to His life-giving truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ornaments" or "crowns" do I currently prioritize in my life, and how do they compare to the "ornament of grace" and "crown of glory" promised by wisdom?**
* **In what practical ways can I more diligently pursue and embrace God's wisdom in my daily life, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How might a life adorned with "grace" and crowned with "glory" manifest itself authentically in my interactions with others and my witness to the world?**
* **What specific areas of my character, relationships, or decision-making could benefit most from a deeper infusion of God's wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "ornament of grace" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "ornament of grace" (Hebrew: *livyâh chên*) refers to a beautiful adornment, like a wreath or garland, worn on the head. In this context, it is a rich metaphor for the profound attractiveness, charm, and favor that wisdom bestows upon an individual. This is not a superficial or external beauty but an inner elegance and moral virtue that makes one pleasing and well-regarded by both God and people, reflecting a life lived in harmony with divine principles. It suggests that wisdom itself becomes a beautiful and distinguishing mark of character, earning genuine respect and admiration for the one who possesses it.

**How does "a crown of glory" relate to the "ornament of grace"?**

Answer: The "crown of glory" (Hebrew: *ʻăṭârâh tiphʼârâh*) is a parallel and intensifying image to the "ornament of grace." While both symbolize honor and beauty, the crown often signifies royalty, authority, and ultimate triumph. It suggests that wisdom elevates a person to a position of high esteem, dignity, and renown within the community and before God. The "ornament of grace" speaks to the inherent beauty and favor wisdom brings, while the "crown of glory" emphasizes the public recognition, honor, and majestic standing that results from a life dedicated to wisdom, causing the wise person to stand out with a divinely conferred majesty and an enduring reputation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 4:9, with its promise of an "ornament of grace" and a "crown of glory" for those who embrace wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely wise, but the very **Incarnation of Wisdom** itself [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), through whom all things were created and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom"). The grace and glory promised by wisdom in Proverbs are perfectly embodied in Him, as He is "full of grace and truth" [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus, through His life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, has not only attained ultimate glory but also graciously imparts it to all who are united with Him by faith. Believers, by receiving Christ, receive His wisdom, and are therefore adorned with the "beauty of holiness" [Psalm 29:2](/psalm/29-2 "Psalm 29:2 - Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness") and clothed in the "garments of salvation" and the "robe of righteousness" He provides [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation and Robe of Righteousness"). The "crown of glory" that wisdom delivers in Proverbs is ultimately the imperishable crown of righteousness and eternal life that Christ secures for His followers [2 Timothy 4:8](/2-timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness"); [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - The Crown of Life"). Thus, the wisdom personified in Proverbs points directly to Christ, the true source of all grace and the King who bestows eternal glory upon His redeemed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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.