Proverbs 17:6

6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 Old people are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of sons is their fathers.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.

Proverbs 17:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:6

Children's children [are] the crown of old men
Ancient parents. Grandfathers with the Jews are called old men, as Buxtorf F4 observes. A numerous progeny was reckoned a great blessing to a man; to have his table surrounded with children, as olive plants; to be encircled with a large family was a crown of glory F5; and to live to see children's children, a large number of grandchildren, was still a greater glory; and especially, as Jarchi observes, when these children, or children's children, were walking in a good way, in the good ways of religion and godliness, they trained them up in. Christ is the Ancient of days, the everlasting Father; and it is his glory, as Mediator, to see his seed, to have a numerous off spring; and which will endure for ever, as the days of heaven: ministers of the Gospel are spiritual fathers; and those who have been converted under their ministry wilt be their joy and "crown of rejoicing" at the last day, ( 1 Thessalonians 2:19 ) ; and the glory of children [are] their fathers;
who are wise, as Aben Ezra observes; and righteous, as Jarchi: if they are wise and good men, it is an honour to their children that they descend from them; nor are they ashamed to own their relation to them, but glory in it, as the Jews did in Abraham, saying, "We have Abraham for our father", ( Matthew 3:9 ) ( Luke 3:8 ) : but, on the contrary, if their fathers are foolish or wicked, their children are ashamed of them, and do not care to acknowledge their descent from them; and such parents, who are an honour to their children, their children should be careful to tread in their steps, that they reflect no dishonour on them; particularly as it is our great honour and glory to have God for our father, to be his adopted sons and daughters, we should be followers of him as dear children, and be obedient ones.


FOOTNOTES:

F4 In Lex. Talmud. col. 684.
F5 "Te felix natorum turba coronat", Claudian. de Raptu Prosperp. l. 1. v. 109.

Proverbs 17:6 In-Context

4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Psalms 128:5-6; Proverbs 13:22
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