The Crown of Old Men

Children's children are the crown of old men, . . . Proverbs 17:6 (AMP)

This verse is in harmony with the command given to Adam to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:22, 28). It also speaks of the strength that a large family has in a community. The application is not only natural, but spiritual.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalms 127:3 (AMP)

Progeny, that is, offspring, are a blessing and a reward from the Lord of the harvest:

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table. Psalms 128:3 (AMP)

The promise to Abraham, our father of faith, was that he would become the father of a multitude that would "possess the gate of his enemies":

In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, Genesis 22:17 (AMP)

To "possess the gate" means to drive out the former inhabitants and to possess in their place. Here we see the promise of authority over the devil and all of his demons.

. . . I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]. Matthew 16:18 (AMP)

Every time you and I give birth to a new Christian through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we establish the authority of God at the gates of Hades. We cause the blessing promised to Abraham to be fulfilled and the desire of God to be realized.

The crown of the aged are their spiritual grandchildren .