“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).

One of the greatest incentives for godly living by fathers and grandfathers is the example set for one’s children and grandchildren, that they may indeed “glory” in their parents and desire to follow in their footsteps, especially with reference to their moral and spiritual example.

It is one of the joys of fatherhood not only to have children but, Lord willing, to see one’s grandchildren as well. Most honorable men will also work hard to be able to leave an inheritance to their children first of all and, through them, to their grandchildren. “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).

But, depending on circumstances beyond his control, it may not be possible to leave a significant material estate to his descendants. Therefore, such promises as these must ultimately be understood in the spiritual sense. Even a poor man can leave a goodly inheritance—an inheritance of love and concern and a godly life. The greatest of all the gifts that one should try to pass on to his children, of course, is to lead them, by witness and example, to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, for that heirloom will last forever.

Even men who are childless in the physical sense can have spiritual children as they witness for Christ in word and deed. Paul, for example, could call Timothy “my dearly beloved son” (II Timothy 1:2), and he could remind the believers at Corinth that “I have begotten you through the gospel” (I Corinthians 4:15).

And then what a joy it is when someone we have led to Christ begins to lead still others to Him! These become our “children’s children” in the great spiritual family of God, and such spiritual grandchildren constitute a most beautiful “crown of old men!” HMM