Proverbs 20:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

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

NASB: The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair.

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

NLT: The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.

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

NKJV: The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.

The main advantage of youth is physical. Younger people are usually healthier and stronger than those who are older. Youths can brag about their athleticism and energy. In contrast, the main advantage of age is wisdom—the longer one survives, the more experience and knowledge they can gain. This proverb notes that gray hair is a sign of aging; in the ancient world, this was associated with increased knowledge (Proverbs 16:31). Symbolically, those with white hair were the wisest and most knowledgeable of all (Daniel 7:9–10; Revelation 1:14).

This does not mean that every aging person is wise (Hebrews 5:11–12; 1 Samuel 25:23–25). Nor does it mean youths cannot have godly wisdom to share (1 Timothy 4:12; Daniel 1:17). Paul writes that in Jesus "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). As we age, our strength will fade, but our wisdom will increase if we become more like Jesus (Isaiah 40:28–31; Hebrews 5:14; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 3:19:24 AM