Proverbs 8:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,

NIV: I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

NASB: I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

CSB: I walk in the ways of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

NLT: I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.

KJV: I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

NKJV: I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

This verse continues to speak the words of wisdom, personified as a woman (Proverbs 8:1–4). The word "walk" conveys the sense of consistency and habit. Merely stumbling across truth by accident is not the same as a committed approach to truth (Proverbs 3:21–24). Given the value of godly wisdom (Proverbs 8:18–19), it's something worth approaching with dedicated effort (Proverbs 8:17).

When the Lord Jesus ministered on earth, He conducted Himself consistently in a righteous and just manner. He always did what was just or right for those who needed His help. His righteousness was beyond incrimination. In fact, His reputation was so secure that He could boldly dare His enemies by asking, "Which one of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46). The apostle Paul testified that Jesus knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), and the apostle Peter described Jesus as "a lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Peter 1:19). Peter also said plainly, "He [Jesus] committed no sin" (1 Peter 2:22).

While absolute perfection is impossible for us, all who believe on Jesus receive a positional righteousness: we have become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Also, we have a practical righteousness. First Peter 2:24 states: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness."

Proverbs 8:12–21 records more words from the personification of wisdom. She speaks about the value she imparts to those who find her. Contrary to what the adulterous woman of Proverbs 7 offers—poverty and disgrace—wisdom offers true riches, honor, and an inheritance.

In this passage, wisdom is once again imagined as a woman who cries out to be heard (Proverbs 1:20–21). Wisdom extols her own truth and value. Wisdom was part of God's creative power long before even the creation of the universe. The chapter again returns to the many benefits of godly wisdom, before completing those declarations at the start of the next chapter.

Thus far in Proverbs, Solomon has spoken about the virtues of wisdom and the need to acquire it and live by it. He has also warned about the dangers of rejecting wisdom. Chapter 7 ended with a description of a promiscuous woman seducing a foolish young man. Now, in chapter 8, he lets wisdom speak, once again personified as a woman. She speaks about her existence before creation and her gift of life to all who find her. This analogy continues into chapter 9.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.