Proverbs 17:6

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
– Proverbs 17:6

This proverb highlights generational blessings that come with wisdom (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20). The cutting off of family is a curse to the wicked (Psalm 109:13-15). The blessed man has family that brings joy and honor (Psalm 127:1-5; 128:1-6).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 14:24

The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
– Proverbs 14:24

The wording of this proverb is difficult. The first phrase speaks of the rewards of wisdom as riches. This is consistent with the call of wisdom and the promise to those who acquire it (Proverbs 3:16; 4:7-9; 8:18). The point of wisdom is not temporal wealth but spiritual riches (Proverbs 11:4). The contrast emphasizes the reward of fools is folly. Foolishness is sown by fools and folly is harvested. The point could be the irremediable nature of the fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:10; 27:22). He is joined to it and always returns to it (Proverbs 26:11).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 12:4

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
– Proverbs 12:4

The word for virtuous means strength, ability, resource, and efficiency. Today we would think of virtuous as meaning of high moral fiber, but the word in this proverb is fuller and richer in meaning. She is not a prudish woman but she is a woman of substance, intelligence, and accomplishment. A virtuous woman is described more fully in Proverbs 31:10-25. Such a woman is a crown to her husband. She is not only an adornment, but she is ennobling to him. She is an inspiration and complement that raises him to new height. The contrasted thought is of a woman that makes ashamed. This word indicates being put to shame, embarrassed, and disappointed. Such a woman is foolish, lazy, and contentious (Proverbs 14:1; 19:13-14; 21:9, 19; 27:15-16). Such a woman is not a crown but rather like a decaying disease, rottenness in his bones. Rather than bringing her husband to greater heights as a man of substance, she reduces him and eats away at his strength and ambition. She breaks him down like termites eating away at the house structure until the roof sags and eventually caves in.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 4:9

She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
– Proverbs 4:9

An ornament decorates and beautifies. The ornament is an ornament of grace, which is favor or pleasantness. Wisdom brings goodness and beauty to a person’s life. A crown is more than an ornament. It suggests power, respect, and even protection. A crown is also a reward, such as a champion being crowned.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series