Proverbs 8:20
New International Version
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

New Living Translation
I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice.

English Standard Version
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,

Berean Standard Bible
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

King James Bible
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

New King James Version
I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

New American Standard Bible
“I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

NASB 1995
“I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

NASB 1977
“I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

Legacy Standard Bible
I walk in the path of righteousness, In the midst of the pathways of justice,

Amplified Bible
“I, [Wisdom, continuously] walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

Christian Standard Bible
I walk in the ways of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

American Standard Version
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

Contemporary English Version
I always do what is right,

English Revised Version
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I walk in the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice,

Good News Translation
I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice,

International Standard Version
I walk on the way of righteousness, along paths that are just,

Majority Standard Bible
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

NET Bible
I walk in the path of righteousness, in the pathway of justice,

New Heart English Bible
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

Webster's Bible Translation
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.

World English Bible
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of justice,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I cause to walk in a path of righteousness, "" In midst of paths of judgment,

Young's Literal Translation
In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,

Smith's Literal Translation
I shall go in the way of justice, in the midst of the beaten paths of judgment:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

Catholic Public Domain Version
I walk in the way of justice, in the midst of the paths of judgment,

New American Bible
On the way of righteousness I walk, along the paths of justice,

New Revised Standard Version
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I walk in the way of righteousness and within the streets of judgment
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I walk in ways of righteousness, and am conversant with the paths of judgement;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
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.…

Cross References
Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.

Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

Isaiah 48:17
Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Psalm 119:35
Direct me in the path of Your commandments, for there I find delight.

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Matthew 7:14
But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 8:14
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Ephesians 5:8-9
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.


Treasury of Scripture

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the middle of the paths of judgment:

lead or walk

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 4:11,12
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths…

Proverbs 6:22
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

in the

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee…

Deuteronomy 5:32
Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

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Cause Judging Judgment Justice Lead Midst Path Paths Right Righteousness Road Walk Way
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Cause Judging Judgment Justice Lead Midst Path Paths Right Righteousness Road Walk Way
Proverbs 8
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings














I walk in the way of righteousness
This phrase emphasizes a lifestyle aligned with God's moral standards. In biblical context, "righteousness" often refers to living in a manner that is pleasing to God, adhering to His commandments and reflecting His character. The concept of walking suggests a continuous, active pursuit of this lifestyle. In the Old Testament, righteousness is frequently associated with the law given to Moses, which provided a framework for ethical and moral living. The imagery of walking in righteousness can also be seen in Psalm 1:1-3, where the righteous man is compared to a tree planted by streams of water, indicating stability and prosperity. This phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who perfectly embodied righteousness and called His followers to do the same (Matthew 5:6).

along the paths of justice
Justice in the biblical sense involves fairness, equity, and the protection of the vulnerable. The "paths of justice" suggest a deliberate choice to engage in actions that uphold these principles. In ancient Israel, justice was a key component of the covenant community, with laws designed to ensure that the poor, widows, and orphans were treated fairly (Deuteronomy 10:18). The prophets frequently called Israel back to the paths of justice, condemning the nation when it strayed (Isaiah 1:17). This phrase also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate judge who will bring perfect justice (John 5:30). Walking in the paths of justice is a call to reflect God's character in our dealings with others, ensuring that our actions are marked by integrity and fairness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wisdom
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified as a woman who calls out to people, offering guidance and understanding. She is depicted as a divine attribute of God, present from the beginning of creation.

2. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, which he received from God.

3. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His laws and wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Path of Righteousness
Walking in righteousness involves living in a way that aligns with God's standards and commands. It requires a commitment to moral integrity and ethical behavior.

The Importance of Justice
Justice is a key attribute of God's character. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue justice in our interactions with others, ensuring fairness and equity.

Wisdom as a Guide
Wisdom, as personified in Proverbs, is a guide that leads us in the right paths. Seeking wisdom through prayer and scripture study is essential for making godly decisions.

Living with Purpose
Walking in the way of righteousness and justice gives our lives purpose and direction. It aligns us with God's will and brings peace and fulfillment.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in righteousness and justice, providing guidance and conviction when we stray from the path.(20) I lead in the way of righteousness.--Comp. Psalm 37:23; also a prayer for such guidance, Psalm 119:33; Psalm 143:8; and a promise of it Isaiah 30:21

Verse 20. - I lead in the way (better, I walk in the way) of righteousness. I act always according to the rules of justice. In the midst of the paths of judgment. I swerve not to one side or the other (Proverbs 4:27). So the psalmist prays, "Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end;" "Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk" (Psalm 119:33; Psalm 143:8). And the promise is given to the faithful in Isaiah 30:21, "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." Virtue, as Aristotle has taught us, is the mean between two extremes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I walk
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך‪‬ (’ă·hal·lêḵ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in the way
בְּאֹֽרַח־ (bə·’ō·raḥ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 734: A well-trodden road, a caravan

of righteousness,
צְדָקָ֥ה (ṣə·ḏā·qāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively

along
בְּ֝ת֗וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the paths
נְתִיב֥וֹת (nə·ṯî·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5410: Path, pathway

of justice,
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 8:19
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