Throughout the Book of Proverbs, Solomon contrasts actions that are right and those that are wrong. Actions that are right are portrayed as wise: actions that are wrong are portrayed as foolish.

In ancient societies people tended to defer to the decisions of the elders. All things being equal, gray hair – that is, old age – is evidence of wisdom, goodness and virtue. There are biblical examples of people for whom that was so, but just like today, it was not always true.