What does Proverbs 20:7 mean?

The example of a godly (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–6), righteous parent brings many benefits. Wisdom makes a family less prone to risks and failures (Proverbs 8:35–36; 10:9). It also increases one's reputation in the eyes of others (Proverbs 3:35; 20:3). Raising children with proper wisdom (Proverbs 13:24) sets them up for success in life (Proverbs 19:18). As it often does, the book of Proverbs here refers to a person's life as a "path," or the way someone "walks" (Proverbs 2:20; 12:28).

Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) may have been reflecting on his father, David. He was known as a man who "walked in" integrity (1 Kings 3:6). As one of David's sons, Solomon was blessed. The Lord granted Solomon a peaceful, prosperous kingdom and great wisdom.

Although Joseph was not Jesus' biological father (Luke 1:31–35), he acted as His father, and was known for being fair and honorable (Matthew 1:19). Despite the awkward situation of his betrothed being pregnant, Joseph obeyed God's command to take Mary as his wife (Mathew 1:20–25). Also, when commanded to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, he did so without hesitation (Matthew 2:13–14). Later, when Herod died, an angel commanded Joseph to take the family to Israel, and Joseph again obeyed (Matthew 2:19–23). Undoubtedly, as a man whose life demonstrated a pattern of honoring God's will, Joseph set a good example for the boy Jesus as Jesus "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).