"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness."{Proverbs 16:31} One can easily recognize, from the silver in his hair, the approach of his golden years. Of course, some older people dye their hair to conceal their ages. And in some cases, the hair turns loose rather than gray.

Righteousness and Hoary Hair

For a truly righteous person, a hoary head represents the following:

A Life of Devotion to God. The individual who waits until he nears the setting of the sun before trying to break bad habits, obey God, and prepare for heaven has wasted valuable years, lost much power and influence, and gambled with his soul. In contrast, the person who turned to God and holy living in earlier years--and pursued godliness is the type of individual who has attained something worthwhile. In his advanced years, he should be more God-like than ever.

Years of Experience in Useful Living. The inferior creatures "profit neither by their wisdom, nor the follies of the past. The first robin built its nest of the same materials, and with as much art, as the robin does now. Neither the bird nor the bee has learned anything by experience, by study, or by observation,--nor lays up, to transmit to future generations of bird or bees, the results of its own sagacity or observation." (Barnes) Man finds experience to be one of his most valuable teachers. The mistakes of the past are stepping stones to new heights. A long life of useful living gives one an accumulation of wisdom that can never be obtained without extended experience.

The Beauty and Grace of Maturity. There is a kingly dignity that surrounds an aged saint. Venerable qualities are present in the life that is nearing its goal. "There is glory and beauty in the field covered with green blades of early spring, but the period of its perfection is not in the spring, but in the autumn, when the full corn in the ear stands ready for the sickle." (Harris)

The Right to Respect. The law of Moses said, "You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD."{Leviticus 19:32} "There is something touching in the sight of hair whitened with the snows of many winters: the old, faithful soldier receives consideration from his king; the venerable servant is beloved of his master." (Spurgeon)

Some young people do not appreciate the aged saints. They fail to show the deference and courteous respect to which the elderly are due. The New Testament says, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder." {1 Peter 5:5} Paul told the young preacher Timothy, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the young men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." {1 Timothy 5:1,2}

Hoary heads are not always found in the way of righteousness. If old age "be found in the way of wickedness, its honor is forfeited, its crown profaned and laid in dust" (Henry) What a sad spectacle to witness an individual whose life is nearing its end cursing God, railing righteousness, and influencing the young to serve Satan! The hoary head, which could be a crown of glory, becomes a crown of shame. The hair is white as snow, but the soul is as black as the outer darkness of hell itself!