Honourable Old Age
John Dick, D.D. Proverbs 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. I. WHAT IS THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS in which the old man is supposed to be found? 1. It is supposed that the old man has spent the preceding part of his life in devotional exercises. 2. It is supposed that the old man has, in the preceding part of his life, practised self-control, and regulated his pursuits and pleasures by the discipline of religion. It is the remembrance of his good deed which awakens our esteem and love. 3. It is supposed that the old man has been a useful member of society. To those insignificant beings who have contributed nothing to the benefit of mankind we owe, when they arrive at old age, not honour, but pity. II. THAT HONOUR IS DUE TO THE OLD MAN WHO IS FOUND IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 1. He is a man, the sincerity of whose religion is placed beyond suspicion by the long trial which it has sustained. 2. He is a man who, through Divine assistance, has fulfilled the end of his creation. 3. He is a man who is qualified, by the wisdom which he has acquired, to be the instructor and guide of his inferiors in years. 4. He is a man who stands high in the favour of God. 5. He is a man who is about to receive the reward of his labours. (John Dick, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. WEB: Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.