Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.
Grandchildren
In Hebrew, the word for "grandchildren" is "בְּנֵי בָּנִים" (bene banim), which literally translates to "sons of sons." This phrase emphasizes the continuation of a family line and the blessing of seeing one's descendants. In ancient Israelite culture, having grandchildren was considered a sign of God's favor and a testament to a life well-lived. It reflects the joy and fulfillment that comes from witnessing the growth and prosperity of one's family across generations.

are the crown
The term "crown" in Hebrew is "עֲטֶרֶת" (ateret), symbolizing honor, dignity, and achievement. In biblical times, a crown was a symbol of authority and respect, often worn by kings and leaders. Here, it metaphorically represents the pride and joy that grandparents feel in their grandchildren. This imagery suggests that grandchildren are a source of honor and a visible sign of the legacy and influence of the aged.

of the aged
The Hebrew word for "aged" is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), referring to elders or those advanced in years. In the biblical context, age was associated with wisdom, experience, and respect. The aged were often seen as repositories of knowledge and tradition, and their role in the family and community was highly valued. This phrase highlights the reciprocal relationship between generations, where the aged find fulfillment and honor in their descendants.

and the glory
The word "glory" in Hebrew is "תִּפְאֶרֶת" (tiferet), which conveys beauty, splendor, and honor. It suggests something that is praiseworthy and admirable. In this context, it indicates the pride and esteem that children derive from their fathers. The use of "glory" underscores the importance of familial relationships and the deep sense of identity and worth that comes from one's heritage.

of children
The term "children" in Hebrew is "בָּנִים" (banim), which can refer to sons and daughters. Children in biblical times were seen as a blessing from God and a continuation of the family line. They were expected to honor their parents and uphold the family's reputation. This phrase emphasizes the role of children in carrying forward the values and legacy of their forebears.

is their fathers
The Hebrew word for "fathers" is "אָבוֹת" (avot), which denotes not only biological fathers but also ancestors and patriarchs. In the biblical tradition, fathers were seen as the head of the family, responsible for providing, protecting, and guiding their children. This phrase highlights the significant influence fathers have on their children's lives and the honor that children feel in being associated with their fathers' legacy. It underscores the biblical principle of honoring one's parents and the mutual respect that should exist within the family unit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Grandchildren
Represent the continuation of a family line and are seen as a blessing and reward for the elderly.

2. The Aged
Refers to the older generation, often seen as wise and deserving of respect and honor.

3. Children
In this context, they are the younger generation who bring honor to their parents through their actions and character.

4. Fathers
Symbolize the parental figure whose legacy and values are reflected in their children.
Teaching Points
The Blessing of Generational Legacy
The verse highlights the joy and honor found in family continuity. Grandchildren are seen as a crown, symbolizing honor and fulfillment for the elderly.

The Role of Family in God's Design
Family is central to God's plan, with each generation playing a role in upholding and passing down values and faith.

The Importance of Honoring Parents
Children bring glory to their parents through their actions, reflecting the values and teachings they have received.

The Value of Wisdom and Experience
The aged are to be respected for their wisdom and life experience, which are invaluable to younger generations.

Building a Godly Legacy
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to invest in their family's spiritual and moral upbringing, ensuring a legacy that honors God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of grandchildren being a "crown" to the aged reflect the biblical view of family?

2. In what ways can children bring glory to their parents, and how does this align with the commandment to honor one's father and mother?

3. How can we, as a church community, support and honor the elderly, recognizing their role and contributions?

4. What practical steps can parents take to ensure they are leaving a godly legacy for their children and grandchildren?

5. How do the themes in Proverbs 17:6 connect with the broader biblical account of family and generational blessings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 128:6
This verse speaks of seeing one's children's children, emphasizing the blessing of a long life and the joy of family continuity.

Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's father and mother connects to the idea of children being the glory of their parents.

Proverbs 13:22
Discusses the inheritance left by a good man to his children's children, highlighting the importance of legacy.

1 Timothy 5:4
Encourages children and grandchildren to care for their family, reflecting the honor and respect due to the aged.
Traits of Outward Dad Inward HappinessE. Johnson Proverbs 17:1-9
Fatherhood and SonshipW. Clarkson Proverbs 17:6, 21, 25
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aged, Children's, Crown, Fathers, Glory, Grandchildren, Parents, Pride, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 17:6

     5280   crown
     5652   babies
     5668   children, responsibilities to parents
     5726   old age, attainment
     5731   parents
     5734   relationships

Library
April 8. "A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22).
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22). King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other tonics fail, and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Sick one, begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 12. "The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3. )
"The furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3.) Remember that temptation is not sin unless it be accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him, because the temptation was so strong. We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Unrivalled Friend
A sermon (No. 899) delivered on Lord's Day morning, November 7th, 1869, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."--Proverbs 17:17. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all men are agreed, namely, friendship; but most men are soon aware that counterfeits of friendship are common as autumn leaves. Few men enjoy from others the highest and truest form of friendship. The friendships of this world are
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
"He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."--Isaiah liii. 2. "Religion is a weariness;" such is the judgment commonly passed, often avowed, concerning the greatest of blessings which Almighty God has bestowed upon us. And when God gave the blessing, He at the same time foretold that such would be the judgment of the world upon it, even as manifested in the gracious Person of Him whom He sent to give it to us. "He hath no form nor
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death.
THAT early spring-tide in Galilee was surely the truest realisation of the picture in the Song of Solomon, when earth clad herself in garments of beauty, and the air was melodious with songs of new life. [2625] It seemed as if each day marked a widening circle of deepest sympathy and largest power on the part of Jesus; as if each day also brought fresh surprise, new gladness; opened hitherto unthought-of possibilities, and pointed Israel far beyond the horizon of their narrow expectancy. Yesterday
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
[ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This treatise was first published in 1688, after Bunyan's death, at the end of the second edition of the Barren Fig Tree, with a black border round the title. It was continued in the third edition 1692, but was subsequently omitted, although the Barren Fig Tree was printed for the same publisher. It has been printed in every edition of Bunyan's Works. Respect for the judgment of others leads me to allow it a place in the first complete edition, although I have serious
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam,
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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