Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Proverbs 2:20

Next

That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous.

That thou mayest walk {H3212} in the way {H1870} of good {H2896} men, and keep {H8104} the paths {H734} of the righteous {H6662}.

Thus you will walk on the way of good people and keep to the paths of the righteous.

So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, And keep the paths of the righteous.

Commentary

Proverbs 2:20 serves as a powerful summary of the positive outcome for those who diligently seek and embrace divine wisdom, as encouraged throughout the preceding verses of the chapter. It highlights the ultimate purpose of wisdom's instruction: to guide one's life towards moral excellence and upright association.

Context

This verse concludes a lengthy exhortation from a father to his son (or a teacher to a student) in Proverbs chapter 2. The chapter begins by urging the hearer to receive wisdom, understanding, and knowledge as precious treasures (Proverbs 2:1-5). It then promises that wisdom will deliver one from the way of evil men and from the "strange woman" (Proverbs 2:16-19), who represents moral corruption and spiritual infidelity. Proverbs 2:20 presents the desirable alternative and the fruit of choosing wisdom: a life aligned with God's will and in fellowship with those who follow Him.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of Wisdom: The ultimate goal of seeking wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge, but a transformation of one's conduct and character. Wisdom leads to a practical, righteous life.
  • Righteous Living: The verse emphasizes a life characterized by integrity and adherence to God's standards. "Walking in the way" and "keeping the paths" denote a consistent lifestyle and deliberate choices.
  • Association with the Upright: By choosing wisdom, one naturally gravitates towards and aligns with "good men" and "the righteous." This highlights the importance of positive influences and companionship in one's spiritual journey. As Psalm 1:1 also suggests, the blessed person avoids the counsel of the ungodly and delights in God's law.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "way" (derek) and "paths" (nethibah) are often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe a course of life, a chosen direction, or a habitual conduct. To "walk" in them implies active participation and adherence. "Good" (tov) signifies moral excellence and beneficence, while "righteous" (tsaddiqim, plural of tsaddiq) refers to those who are just, upright, and in right standing with God and man. The emphasis is on living a life that is both morally sound and divinely approved.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:20 offers timeless guidance for believers today:

  1. Choose Your Influences Wisely: The company we keep significantly shapes our character. This verse encourages us to seek out mentors, friends, and communities that exemplify godliness and integrity.
  2. Live Intentionally: Our lives are a series of choices that form a "path." This verse calls us to be deliberate in our daily decisions, ensuring they align with God's wisdom and lead us closer to Him.
  3. Embrace God's Standards: The "paths of the righteous" are defined by God's Word. Continual engagement with Scripture and prayer helps us to discern and follow these paths, allowing us to walk in the Spirit and bear its fruit.

Ultimately, this verse reminds us that true wisdom is practical and relational, guiding us to a life of integrity and fellowship with those who honor God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 6:12 (4 votes)

    That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

  • 3 John 1:11 (3 votes)

    Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

  • Psalms 119:115 (3 votes)

    ¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

  • Jeremiah 6:16 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].

  • Proverbs 13:20 (3 votes)

    ¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

  • Song Of Solomon 1:8 (2 votes)

    If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.