Proverbs 2:20 kjv

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

Proverbs 2:20 nkjv

So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness.

Proverbs 2:20 niv

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 2:20 esv

So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 2:20 nlt

So follow the steps of the good,
and stay on the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 2 verses

Proverbs 2 20 Meaning

Proverbs 2:20 asserts the positive outcome for those who diligently seek and embrace divine wisdom as outlined in the preceding verses. It describes a life trajectory characterized by moral rectitude and integrity, guiding the individual to live according to the standards exemplified by God-fearing, upright individuals. This "walking" signifies a chosen way of life, a consistent adherence to virtuous conduct, and an intentional avoidance of the destructive paths of the wicked. It's an instruction to emulate the pattern of righteous living that reflects God's own character and commandments.

Proverbs 2 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 2 opens with an earnest plea from a father to his son to receive and treasure wisdom (vv. 1-4), promising that such diligence will lead to understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God (v. 5). The chapter then elaborates on the protective and guiding benefits of wisdom: it delivers from wicked men and perverse speech (vv. 12-15) and, significantly, from the destructive allure of the immoral woman (vv. 16-19). Proverbs 2:20 serves as the culmination of these promised benefits. Having painted vivid pictures of the dangers wisdom delivers one from, this verse positively states what wisdom delivers one to: a life lived among the virtuous, following a righteous course. It highlights that the choice for wisdom is a choice for a distinct path, different from the majority and in fellowship with those who honor God.

Proverbs 2 20 Word analysis

• So you will walk (לְמַעַן תֵּלֵךְ, lema'an teylekh): This phrase begins with a purpose clause, indicating the intended outcome of internalizing wisdom (as described in Prov 2:1-19). "Walk" (תֵּלֵךְ, teylekh, from הָלַךְ, halakh) is a common biblical metaphor for one's lifestyle, conduct, or moral journey. It denotes a habitual mode of existence, an active pursuit of a chosen direction, rather than a single event. It signifies the ongoing, day-to-day choices and behaviors that define a person.
• in the way (בְּדֶרֶךְ, bederekh): Hebrew derekh refers literally to a road or path, but metaphorically it consistently signifies a course of life, manner of living, or moral conduct. It implies a fixed, discernible trajectory that one's life follows. Here, it is juxtaposed with the "way of good men," indicating a specific, righteous pathway that has been tread before by exemplary individuals.
• of good men (טוֹבִ֑ים, tovim): Tovim means "good" or "pleasant" but in a moral context, it refers to those who are morally upright, virtuous, or excellent. These are individuals whose lives are pleasing to God, characterized by integrity and conformity to divine standards. This implies not just moral behavior but a deep inner character shaped by wisdom.
• and keep to (וְאֹרְח֖וֹת תִּשְׁמֹֽר, v'orchot tishmor): This forms a parallel to the first part of the verse, intensifying the commitment. "Keep to" (tishmor, from שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard, observe, preserve, or obey diligently. It's a strong verb emphasizing careful adherence, active protection, and unwavering commitment to a chosen course. It implies intentional vigilance against anything that would draw one away from the right path.
• the paths (וְאֹרְחוֹת, v'orchot): Orchot is synonymous with derekh (way) but can carry a nuance of habitual courses or byways, strengthening the idea of a consistently trodden path. The plural "paths" often emphasizes the various aspects and expressions of a righteous life, or the cumulative effect of many small, correct choices that make up one's overall moral trajectory.
• of the righteous (צַדִּיקִ֥ים, tsaddiqim): Tsaddiqim refers to those who are just, innocent, and morally correct, in alignment with divine law and character. In the biblical sense, righteousness (צֶדֶק, tzedeq) is not merely absence of wrongdoing, but conformity to God's standard, often imputed through faith, and expressed through just and merciful actions. The righteous are those whom God declares and enables to be just.
• "So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous": This is a beautiful example of synonymous parallelism, common in Hebrew poetry. Both phrases reinforce the same central idea from different angles, creating a rich and comprehensive meaning. "Walk in the way of good men" speaks to one's overall conduct and the kind of company one keeps. "Keep to the paths of the righteous" emphasizes the diligent and persistent adherence to righteous principles. The choice of "walk" and "keep" underlines that wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but requires active, daily engagement and a continuous journey guided by its principles.

Proverbs 2 20 Bonus section

The concept of "the way" (derekh / orchot) is central to wisdom literature and indeed the entire Bible. It speaks to a divinely established moral order and path of life. In Proverbs, it's often contrasted with "the way of the wicked" or "the way of death," underscoring the stark, binary choice presented to humanity: a path leading to life and blessing, or a path leading to destruction. For the Israelite audience, "the way of good men" and "the paths of the righteous" implicitly referred to adherence to the covenant laws of God, passed down through generations, and exemplified by faithful patriarchs, judges, and kings (e.g., King David who generally walked in God's ways). This verse also implies the communal aspect of righteousness: one does not walk this path in isolation but finds oneself in the company of those who also seek to live rightly. In the New Testament, this idea culminates in Jesus being identified as "The Way," indicating that the ultimate path of righteousness is not just a set of behaviors but a relationship with the person of Christ, through whom all true righteousness and guidance flow.

Proverbs 2 20 Commentary

Proverbs 2:20 distills the profound purpose of cultivating wisdom: it equips the individual to choose and steadfastly follow a life of righteousness. The previous verses warn against the snares of wicked men and the adulteress; this verse presents the compelling alternative. Wisdom directs one to a virtuous way of living, characterized by upright conduct and integrity, mirroring the lives of those already living in covenant faithfulness with God. This "walk" signifies a total life orientation – thought, word, and deed – continually aligning with divine principles. It is not about self-righteousness, but living out the righteous character that wisdom instills, enabled by the fear of the Lord (Prov 2:5). The call to "keep to" these paths denotes active vigilance and commitment, ensuring that one's life remains on this narrow way (Matt 7:13-14), resisting deviations and embracing a companionship of integrity. Ultimately, this verse champions the intentional pursuit of a life reflecting God's goodness, which results in blessedness and protection from spiritual and moral decay.

• Example 1 (Choice of Company): A young person committed to Christ seeking peer groups for growth instead of those known for rebellious behavior.
• Example 2 (Ethical Decisions): A business person choosing to operate with integrity and fairness even when dishonesty might offer a shortcut to profit.
• Example 3 (Habits): Consistently dedicating time to Bible study and prayer, which reinforces one's moral compass and understanding of righteousness.