Proverbs 8:20
Proverbs 8:20 in Multiple Translations
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;
I go in the road of righteousness, in the way of right judging:
I live in a way that's right; I follow the paths of justice.
I cause to walke in the way of righteousnes, and in the middes of the paths of iudgement,
In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.
I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,
I always do what is righteous and just/fair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
צְדָקָ֥ה
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך
בְּ֝/ת֗וֹךְ
נְתִיב֥וֹת
מִשְׁפָּֽט
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Prep | N-cs
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
בְּ֝/ת֗וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
נְתִיב֥וֹת
nâthîyb
H5410
path
N-cp
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:20
בְּ/אֹֽרַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Prep | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
צְדָקָ֥ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ֝/ת֗וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
נְתִיב֥וֹת
nâthîyb
H5410
"path"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word means a path or road that people walk on, like a beaten track. It appears in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, referring to a traveler's journey. The word is used to describe a way or pathway.
Definition: 1) trodden with the feet, path, pathway 2) path, pathway, traveller
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: path(-way), [idiom] travel(-ler), way. See also: Judges 5:6; Proverbs 3:17; Psalms 78:50.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:20
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
18With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.
20I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
21bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full. 22The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 5:32 | So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left. |
| 2 | John 10:27–28 | My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. |
| 3 | Psalms 32:8 | I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:11–12 | I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. |
| 5 | Isaiah 2:3 | And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:22 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. |
| 8 | Psalms 25:4–5 | Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:10 | They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. |
| 10 | Psalms 23:3 | He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. |
Proverbs 8:20 Summary
Proverbs 8:20 tells us that wisdom walks in the way of righteousness and along the paths of justice. This means living a life that is fair, honest, and good, as God sees these things (Psalm 119:137). To walk in righteousness is to follow God's ways, which are outlined in the Bible (Deuteronomy 30:16), and to trust in His goodness and love. By following wisdom's example, we can live a life that pleases God and brings blessings to ourselves and others (Proverbs 10:6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to walk in the way of righteousness?
Walking in the way of righteousness means following God's path and living according to His standards, as seen in Proverbs 8:20, and is in line with the teachings of the Bible, such as Psalm 23:3, which says God guides us on the paths of righteousness.
How does Proverbs 8:20 relate to justice?
The verse highlights that the path of righteousness is closely tied to the paths of justice, emphasizing the importance of fairness and morality in our lives, as also seen in Micah 6:8, which instructs us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
What is the significance of wisdom walking in righteousness and justice?
Wisdom, as personified in Proverbs 8, walking in righteousness and justice, sets an example for believers to follow, demonstrating that living a virtuous life is essential for those who seek to please God, as stated in Proverbs 10:2, which says that righteousness delivers us from death.
How does this verse apply to our daily lives?
This verse encourages believers to reflect on their own path, ensuring it aligns with God's standards of righteousness and justice, and to seek wisdom in making decisions, as guided by James 1:5, which promises wisdom to those who ask in faith.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the principle of walking in the way of righteousness, and how can I practically live this out?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and follow the paths of justice, especially in my interactions with others?
- How does recognizing the connection between righteousness and justice impact my relationship with God and my community?
- What role does wisdom play in guiding me on the paths of righteousness and justice, and how can I cultivate wisdom in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:20
I lead in the way of righteousness,.... As a king his subjects, a shepherd his flock; as a guide to persons that are ignorant and out of the way; as parents their children, teaching them to go; or as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:20
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: I lead in the way of righteousness - Hebrew, 'I cause (my adherents) to walk in the way of righteousness:' not only to
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
Keeping at an equal distance from both extremes, and from the very borders of them; which is called a putting away iniquity far from us, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
Proverbs 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:Ver. 20. I lead in the way of righteousness.] Which is to say, I got not my wealth per fas atque nefas, by right and wrong, by wrench and wile. My riches are not the riches of unrighteousness, "the mammon of iniquity"; but are honestly come by, and are therefore like to be "durable," or, as others render it, ancient. St Jerome somewhere saith, that most rich men are either themselves bad men, or heirs of those that have been bad. There is a profane proverb among us, Happy is that child whose father goes to the devil! It is reported of Nevessan the lawyer, that he should say, He that will not venture his body, shall never be valiant; he that will not venture his soul, never rich. But wisdom’ s walk lies not any such way. God forbid, saith she, that I, or any of mine, should take of Satan, "from a thread even to a shoe latchet, lest he should say, I have made you rich."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
(20) I lead in the way of righteousness.—Comp. Psalms 37:23; also a prayer for such guidance, Psalms 119:33; Psalms 143:8; and a promise of it Isaiah 30:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
Verse 20. I lead in the way of righteousness] Nothing but the teaching that comes from God by his word and Spirit can do this.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:20
20, 21. I lead — àäìêְ, perhaps better, I move habitually; that is, as the leader and exemplar of my votaries: for the purpose stated in the next verse. Righteousness — Rectitude. Judgment — Judicial or administrative justice.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Crisis in Abraham's Life 02 by Rick Bovey | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man named Jacob and his attitude towards work and relationships. The preacher acknowledges that Jacob is often seen in a negative light, |
|
Josiah - God Working in Revival Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon was chosen by God to lead the Israelites against their enemies. Despite being from a crooked and m |
|
Old Testament Survey - Part 22 by Dick Woodward | This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's laws and remembering His miracles. It highlights the need to guard against affluence an |
|
Christian Fundamentalism - 1 by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch discusses the varying definitions of Christian labels and emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian Fundamentalism according to Professor Malan's comprehensi |
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Fear of Trying by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands without turning aside, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:32. She highlights that failing to fulfill our duties is |
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The Lord Will Fight for You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and having faith in Him. He encourages the congregation to look back on their lives and see the many times |
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Another Jesus by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being invited to speak at a ministry conference without knowing much about it. He emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus |