Proverbs 16:31 - Meaning and Application

It should be the great care of older people to be found in the way of righteousness, the way of true religion and serious godliness. Both God and people will look for them there. It is expected that those who are old should be good, since many years ought to have taught them wisdom. Let them therefore be found in that way.

Death will come, and the Judge is coming, the Lord is near. If they are to be found at peace with him, let them be found in the way of righteousness (2 Peter 3:14), found doing his will (Matthew 24:46). Let older people be lifelong disciples. Let them keep on in the way of righteousness, the path they began long ago, so they may be found in it at the end.

If older people are found in the way of righteousness, their age will be their honor. Old age itself is honorable and deserves respect, "You shall rise before the gray head" (Leviticus 19:32). But if old age is found in the way of wickedness, that honor is lost, and its crown is brought low and ruined (Isaiah 65:20). Older people who want to keep their honor must hold on to their integrity. Then their gray hair is truly a crown to them, and they are worthy of special honor. Grace is the glory of old age.