Proverbs 20:29 – “The glory [beauty; pride] of young men is their strength [power; might; vigor]: and the beauty [glory; majesty; honor] of old men [aged; ancient men] is the gray head [gray hairs, i.e. maturity; wisdom from experience].”
The spiritual application of Proverbs 20:29 is perhaps, more than anything else, not only an acknowledgement that we are creatures of pride, but also an encouragement that those talents and attributes that are a point of pride can and should be employed for the Lord.
Until the industrial revolution of the 19th and 20th century, the majority of employment was physical labor. Young men took pride in their physical strength and, when dedicated to discipline labor, could equate to success. As it is today, young men gloried in their physical attributes and sought occasion to put them to the test in athletic contests.
Though waning in strength and faltering in speed, Solomon notes that elderly men might look at their gray hairs as a token of wisdom and life experiences. Some have observed that young men are stronger; however, old men work smarter!
Proverbs 16:31 – “The hoary [gray] head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
My friend, regardless of where your strengths lie, I encourage you to employ your talents, strengths and abilities in serving the Lord and others.
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith