Proverbs 17:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

NIV: Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

NASB: Grandchildren are the crown of the old, And the glory of sons is their fathers.

CSB: Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of children is their fathers.

NLT: Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

KJV: Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

NKJV: Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.

A "proverb" is a statement summarizing a general-case, common sense piece of wisdom. Some proverbs are instructions, others are observations. Some represent ideals towards which we should aspire. In this case, when a family properly seeks God (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–2, 7; 10:1; 15:20; 17:2, 25) each generation can look to others with a godly satisfaction and joy. Family life is blessed when children cause their parents and grandparents to rejoice. Grandchildren can make their grandparents feel intense, selfless pride. Furthermore, children should be proud of their parents.

Most cultures in human history have considered having a large family to be a blessing. Psalm 127:3–5 declares, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Believers are not required to have children, nor even to be married (1 Corinthians 7:6–9). Yet those who do have families have been given something precious by God.

The apostle Paul considered the Thessalonian believers to be his spiritual offspring, and he referred to them as his glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:20). The joy of producing spiritual children is an honor as well as a rich blessing.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.