King James Version

What Does Proverbs 16:31 Mean?

Proverbs 16:31 in the King James Version says “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

Proverbs 16:31 · KJV

Context

29

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

31

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

32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Read Proverbs 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Ateret tif'eret seyvah (עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאֶרֶת שֵׂיבָה, a crown of glory is gray hair). Seyvah (שֵׂיבָה, gray hair, old age) can be glorious. Bederekh tsedaqah timmatse (בְּדֶרֶךְ צְדָקָה תִּמָּצֵא, in the way of righteousness it is found). The condition: righteousness. Old age isn't automatically honorable—only when accompanied by godly living. Leviticus 19:32 commands: "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man." Yet only righteous age deserves honor. Believers should pursue righteousness throughout life, aiming for honored old age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures generally honored elderly, viewing longevity as divine blessing. Yet Scripture qualifies this—wicked old age brings shame, not glory (Isaiah 65:20). Examples: Abraham honored in old age (Genesis 25:8), David crowned with glory (1 Chronicles 29:28), but Eli died dishonored (1 Samuel 4:18). The proverb taught pursuing righteousness for glorious, honored old age or shameful decline.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you living now in ways that will make your old age a crown of glory or a source of shame?
  2. How does contemporary culture's youth obsession conflict with biblical respect for righteous age?
  3. What does it mean to pursue righteousness with a long-term view toward honored, godly old age?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עֲטֶ֣רֶת1 of 6

“is a crown”

H5850

a crown

תִּפְאֶ֣רֶת2 of 6

“of glory”

H8597

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

שֵׂיבָ֑ה3 of 6

“The hoary head”

H7872

old age

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ4 of 6

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

צְ֝דָקָ֗ה5 of 6

“of righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

תִּמָּצֵֽא׃6 of 6

“if it be found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 16:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 16:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 20:29Leviticus 19:32Proverbs 3:1-2Proverbs 17:61 Samuel 12:2-5Luke 2:29-38

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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