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

PROVERBS 16:31KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 16:31 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:31 mean?

Proverbs 16:31 describes gray hair as a symbol of honor, but only if it comes with a life lived rightly. The verse teaches that old age is truly admirable when it is joined with a path of righteousness.

This proverb is part of the wise sayings collected in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon and addressed to anyone seeking wisdom. The verse connects respect for elders with the idea that true dignity comes not just from age, but from living according to what is right and just.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:31

  • "head" (שֵׂיבָה, seivah): This word refers specifically to gray or white hair, a common sign of old age. Its use signals that the verse is about the visible marks of aging.
  • "crown" (עֲטֶרֶת, ataret): This word means a wreath or crown, something placed on the head as a mark of honor or victory. Here, it shows that gray hair is not just a sign of age, but a badge of respect.
  • "glory" (תִּפְאֶרֶת, tif'eret): This word means beauty, splendor, or honor. It highlights that the "crown" of gray hair is something to be valued, not dismissed.
  • "found" (מָצָא, matza): This word means to be discovered or encountered. The verse says gray hair is only a "crown of glory" if it is "found" in a life marked by righteousness.
  • "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): This word means a path or manner of life. It points to the journey or lifestyle a person follows.
  • "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word means what is right, just, or morally upright. The verse ties true honor in old age to a life lived in this way.

Why Proverbs 16:31 matters

  • Proverbs 16:31 clarifies that age alone does not guarantee honor; the verse ties respect for elders to the moral quality of their lives.
  • The proverb challenges a culture that might either idolize youth or automatically revere age, by saying that true dignity comes from righteousness.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this verse fits with the broader theme that wisdom is shown not just in words, but in the character and choices of a person's life.

Where else these words appear

“head” Hebrew H7872 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Deuteronomy 32:25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
  • Job 41:32 He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.

“crown” Hebrew H5850 · used in 23 verses

  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
  • Isaiah 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

“glory” Hebrew H8597 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 28:2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.
  • Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
  • Isaiah 63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.