Verse

Proverbs 20:7

ESV The righteous who walks in his integrity — blessed are his children after him!
NIV The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
NASB A righteous person who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him.
CSB A righteous person acts with integrity; his children who come after him will be happy.
NLT The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
KJV The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
NKJV The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.

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).
Expand
Context Summary
Proverbs 20:1–11 issues warnings about alcohol, infuriating those in authority, quarreling, and laziness. Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) also commends an understanding mind, faithfulness, integrity, and righteous conduct.
Expand
Chapter Summary
In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: