💡WEB · Proverbs 17:6
What does Proverbs 17:6 mean?
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents."
— Proverbs 17:6 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.
Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
Explanation
Proverbs 17:6 makes two parallel observations about family life: grandchildren are the crown, or greatest honor, of elderly people, and children find their glory, or pride, in their parents. In plain language, the verse is saying that generations are meant to be a source of mutual honor to one another—older generations delight in seeing their family line continue through grandchildren, and younger generations rightly take pride in the heritage and reputation passed down to them by their parents.
This proverb comes from the book of Proverbs, traditionally associated with Solomon, though the book as a whole is a collection of wisdom sayings compiled over time for ancient Israelite readers, particularly aimed at instructing the young in practical, godly living. Proverbs frequently addresses family relationships because the family was the basic unit of Israelite society, and honoring parents and valuing children were central to the covenant community's understanding of a well-ordered life (see also the fifth commandment, Exodus 20:12). This particular saying reflects the wisdom tradition's high esteem for multigenerational continuity as a sign of blessing and stability.
Theologically, the verse reflects the biblical value placed on family as a gift from God and a vehicle of blessing across generations. In the Old Testament worldview, having children and grandchildren was seen as evidence of God's favor (Psalm 127:3-5), and a long life that included seeing one's descendants flourish was considered one of life's great rewards (Psalm 128:6). The verse also implies a relational reciprocity: parents invest character, faith, and legac
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