So you will follow in the ways of the goodThis phrase emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with those who are morally upright and virtuous. In biblical context, "the good" often refers to individuals who live according to God's commandments and wisdom. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, urging readers to choose the path of wisdom. Historically, the Israelites were called to be a people set apart, following God's laws as a testimony to the nations around them. This call to follow "the good" is a continuation of that theme, encouraging believers to seek out and emulate those who live righteously. In the New Testament, this can be seen as a call to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of goodness and righteousness.
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
The "paths of the righteous" suggests a journey or a way of life that is consistent with God's will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, paths or ways often symbolized one's conduct or lifestyle. The righteous are those who live in accordance with God's standards, and the path they walk is marked by integrity, justice, and faithfulness. This phrase calls believers to steadfastness and perseverance in their spiritual walk. It echoesPsalm 1, which contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, promising blessings to those who delight in the law of the Lord. Theologically, this can be seen as a call to sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ, who is the ultimate righteous one. The imagery of a path also suggests guidance and direction, implying that God provides the wisdom and strength needed to walk in righteousness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
Good MenThis refers to those who live according to God's wisdom and righteousness, setting an example for others to follow.
3.
Paths of the RighteousSymbolic of the lifestyle and choices that align with God's will and commandments, leading to a life of integrity and blessing.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Role ModelsSurround yourself with individuals who exemplify godly wisdom and righteousness. Their influence can guide you in making wise decisions.
Walking in RighteousnessCommit to living a life that aligns with God's commandments. This involves daily choices that reflect integrity and moral uprightness.
The Path of WisdomSeek wisdom through prayer, scripture study, and the counsel of mature believers. Wisdom is a journey that requires intentionality and perseverance.
Guarding Your AssociationsBe mindful of the company you keep. Associating with those who live righteously can strengthen your own walk with God.
The Reward of Righteous LivingUnderstand that following the paths of the righteous leads to spiritual blessings and a deeper relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 2:20?
2.How can we "walk in the way of the good" daily?
3.What does Proverbs 2:20 teach about choosing righteous companions?
4.How does Proverbs 2:20 connect with Psalm 1:1-2 about godly living?
5.Why is it important to "keep to the paths of the righteous"?
6.What practical steps ensure we follow the "way of the good"?
7.What does Proverbs 2:20 mean by "the way of the good"?
8.How does Proverbs 2:20 guide us in choosing our companions?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 2:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2?
11.What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?
12.How do you separate good from evil in life?
13.Does the association of the wise with the 'right' and fools with the 'left' (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views?
14.Proverbs 14:12: If there is a 'way that seems right but ends in death,' how does this align with human free will and moral accountability?What Does Proverbs 2:20 Mean
So you will follow“So you will follow” (Proverbs 2:20) points back to the promised result of receiving wisdom (vv. 1-19). Wisdom is never static; it moves us.
• The word “so” shows cause and effect—embracing wisdom automatically reorders our steps (James 1:22-25).
• “You will follow” assumes deliberate action. God’s Word calls us to walk, not wander (Psalm 119:105).
• The verse speaks to personal responsibility; we choose to align with God’s revealed direction (Joshua 24:15).
in the ways of the goodThe phrase narrows our destination:“in the ways of the good.”
• “Ways” implies life patterns—habits that shape character (Psalm 1:1-3).
• “Good” refers to those who are morally upright, people God already commends (Micah 6:8).
• By adopting their practices, we share in their blessing (Hebrews 13:7).
Practical examples:
– Regular worship (Acts 2:42).
– Honest speech (Ephesians 4:25).
– Compassionate service (Galatians 6:9-10).
and keepWisdom doesn’t merely start us on the journey; it empowers us to“keep.”
• “Keep” stresses perseverance, echoing Jesus’ call to abide (John 15:9-10).
• Staying power comes from treasuring God’s commands in the heart (Psalm 119:11).
• The Spirit enables steadfast obedience (Galatians 5:16-18).
Cue daily disciplines:
– Renewing the mind in Scripture (Romans 12:2).
– Confessing quickly when we stumble (1 John 1:9).
– Leaning on fellowship for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25).
to the paths of the righteousFinally, the goal:“the paths of the righteous.”
• “Paths” pictures clearly marked tracks; God’s standards are not up for debate (Jeremiah 6:16).
• “Righteous” means living in right relationship with God, evidenced by right conduct (Titus 2:11-14).
• Walking these paths brings security and stability (Proverbs 3:5-6;Isaiah 26:3).
Contrast: those who reject wisdom drift into darkness (Proverbs 4:19). Staying on God’s path guards us from that fate.
summaryProverbs 2:20 promises that if we embrace God’s wisdom, we will:
1. Actively choose a course directed by Him.
2. Imitate the lifestyles of people He calls “good.”
3. Persevere through ongoing obedience.
4. Remain on the clear, safe tracks of righteousness.
Wisdom is God’s built-in navigation system, steering every willing heart toward a life that honors Him and blesses others.
Verses 20-22. - Conclusion of the discourse in which are antithetically stated the respective destinies of the good and the bad, the upright and the wicked.
Verse 20. -
That (Hebrew,
לְמַעַןl'maan);
in order that (Vulgate,
ut), carries us back properly to ver. 11. The protecting power of wisdom is developed in a positive direction. Negatively, it delivers from the evil man and from the strange woman, but it does more - "it shall keep thee in order that thou mayest walk in a good way," etc. The Hebrew
לְמַעַן (
l'maan) is coordinate with "to deliver thee," but it serves to bring the discourse to a conclusion. Umbreit renders it "therefore," thus making what follows an inference from the preceding discourse. So the Syriac,
ambula igitur, "therefore walk."
In the way of good men (
בְּדֶרֶך טובִים,
b'derek tovim);
i.e. in the way of the good, in an ethical sense,
i.e. the upright, as in
Isaiah 5:20. The Vulgate renders,
in via bona, "in the good way." "The way of good men" is the way of God's commandments, the way of obedience.
Keep. The Hebrew verb
שָׁמַר (
shamar) is here used in the sense of "to observe," "to attend to," but in a different sense from
Psalm 17:4, "I have observed the ways of the violent man,"
i.e. that I might avoid them. To keep the paths of the righteous is to carefully attend to the life of obedience which they follow. The LXX. closely connects this verse with the preceding, and renders, "For if they had walked in good ways, they would have found the paths of righteousness light."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Soלְמַ֗עַן(lə·ma·‘an)Conjunction
Strong's 4616:Purpose -- intentyou will followתֵּ֭לֵךְ(tê·lêḵ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkin the waysבְּדֶ֣רֶךְ(bə·ḏe·reḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionof good men,טוֹבִ֑ים(ṭō·w·ḇîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand keep toתִּשְׁמֹֽר׃(tiš·mōr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend tothe pathsוְאָרְח֖וֹת(wə·’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 734:A well-trodden road, a caravanof the righteous.צַדִּיקִ֣ים(ṣad·dî·qîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662:Just, righteous
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:20 That you may walk in the way (Prov. Pro Pr) 
