What does the Bible say about gray hair?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents gray hair chiefly as a sign of age that may reflect honor, wisdom, and life under God’s providence, while also reminding us of human frailty and dependence on him. Proverbs 16:31 calls it a crown of glory when found in a righteous life, and Proverbs 20:29 honors the dignity of the aged. Yet Hosea 7:9 warns that aging can reveal unnoticed spiritual decline. God tenderly promises in Isaiah 46:4 to carry his people even to gray hairs. Matthew 5:36 teaches humility, since we cannot control even the color of our hair, while Genesis 42:38 and 1 Kings 2:6 show gray hair as bound to the sorrows and realities of mortal life.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.
- Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.
- Isaiah 46:4
and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.
- Hosea 7:9
Strangers have devoured his strength, And he doesn't realize it. Indeed, gray hairs are here and there on him, And he doesn't realize it.
- Matthew 5:36
Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black.
- 1 Kings 2:6
Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don't let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.
- Genesis 42:38
He said, "My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him by the way in which you go, then you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol."
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