Proverbs 16:31-32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

Note, 1. It ought to be the great care of old people to be found in the way of righteousness, the way of religion and serious godliness. Both God and man will look for them in that way; it will be expected that those that are old should be good, that the multitude of their years should teach them the best wisdom; let them therefore be found in that way. Death will come; the Judge is coming; the Lord is at hand. That they may be found of him in peace, let them be found in the way of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

This recommends the grace of meekness to us, which will well become us all, particularly the hoary head, Prov. 16:31. Observe, 1. The nature of it. It is to be slow to anger, not easily put into a passion, nor apt to resent provocation, taking time to consider before we suffer our passion to break out, that it may not transgress due bounds, so slow in our motions towards anger that we may be quickly stopped and pacified. It is to have the rule of our own spirits, our appetites and affections,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory ,.... Gray hairs, white locks through age are very ornamental; look very beautiful, bespeak gravity, wisdom, and prudence, and command reverence and respect; with the ancient Romans F19 Vid. A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 2. c. 15. , greater honour was paid to age than to family or wealth; and the elder were revered by the younger next to God, and in the stead of parents; See Gill on Leviticus 19:32 ; if it be found in the way of righteousness ;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ,.... Than a mighty warrior or conqueror; as Alexander who conquered his enemies, and even all the world, and yet in his wrath slew his best friends: a man that is slow to anger is esteemed by the Lord, respected by men, and is happy in himself; and is preferable to the strongest man that is not master of himself and of his passions; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city ; one that has the command of his temper, that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory - The latter part of the verse is very well added, for many a sinner has a hoary head. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:32

He that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city - It is much easier to subdue an enemy without than one within. There have been many kings who had conquered nations, and yet were slaves to their own passions. Alexander, who conquered the world, was a slave to intemperate anger, and in a fit of it slew Clytus, the best and most intimate of all his friends, and one whom he loved beyond all others. The spirit of this maxim is so self-evident, that most nations have formed similar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

The hoary head is a crown of glory ( Proverbs 20:29 ). (For "crown," see on Proverbs 17:6 .) Old age is the reward of a good life, and therefore is an honour to a man (comp. Proverbs 3:2 , Proverbs 3:16 ; Proverbs 4:10 ; Proverbs 9:11 ; Proverbs 10:27 ). If it be found —rather, it shall be found— in the way of righteousness; the guerdon of obedience and holiness; whereas "bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days" ( Psalms 55:23 ). It is well said in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

The glory of old age I. OLD AGE MAY BE CROWNED WITH GLORY IN THE COMPLETION OF LIFE . it is not natural to die in youth. We talk of the bud gathered before it has opened on earth, that it may bloom with perfection in heaven, etc.; but we must confess that there is a great mystery in the death of children. If God so wills it, it is better to live through the whole three score years and ten into full old age. The broken column is the symbol of the unfinished life.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:31

The crown of old age Many are the crowns which, in imagination, we see upon the head. Many are eagerly desired and diligently sought; such are those of fame, of rank, of wealth, of power, of beauty. These are well enough in their way; but 1 . It means a prolongation of life ; and life, under ordinary conditions, is greatly desired, so that men cling to it even tenaciously. 2 . It means the completion of the course of life. Age is one of its natural stages. It has its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:31-32

The gentle life Portrayed with exquisite sweetness and beauty. I. AN HONOURED AGE . The biblical pictures of the aged pious are very charming, and Polycarp, with his eighty-six years upon him, passing to another crown, that of martyrdom, is sublime; also "Paul the aged and the prisoner." The text points out what we must all recognize for an aesthetic truth, that it is the association of age with. goodness which makes it truly respectable, venerable, beautiful. II. MORAL ... read more

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