Proverbs 2:20

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Proverbs 2:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

King James Version KJV

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

American Standard Version ASV

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, And keep the paths of the righteous.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that you may go in the way of good men, and keep in the footsteps of the upright.

Free Bible Version FBV

So you should follow the way of the good, and make sure you stay on the paths of those who do right.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore walke thou in the way of good men, and keepe the wayes of the righteous.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

That thou dost go in the way of the good, And the paths of the righteous dost keep.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men , and keep the paths of the righteous.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That thou mayst walk in a good way: and mayst keep the paths of the just.

Translation for Translators T4T

If you are wise, you should behave like good men behave. You should ◄stay on the paths that righteous people walk on/do what godly people do► [MET],

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:20

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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לְמַ֗עַן תֵּ֭לֵךְ בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ טוֹבִ֑ים וְ/אָרְח֖וֹת צַדִּיקִ֣ים תִּשְׁמֹֽר

לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

תֵּ֭לֵךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

טוֹבִ֑ים ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

וְ/אָרְח֖וֹת ʼôrach H734 way Conj | N-cp

צַדִּיקִ֣ים tsaddîyq H6662 righteous Adj

תִּשְׁמֹֽר shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:20

לְמַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

תֵּ֭לֵךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

בְּ/דֶ֣רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

טוֹבִ֑ים ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

וְ/אָרְח֖וֹת ʼôrach H734 "way" Conj | N-cp

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.

צַדִּיקִ֣ים tsaddîyq H6662 "righteous" Adj

Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.

Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful

Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.

תִּשְׁמֹֽר shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

Study Notes — Proverbs 2:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Proverbs 2:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:20
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:20
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20
Sermons on Proverbs 2:20

Context — The Benefits of Wisdom

18For her house sinks down to death, and her tracks to the departed spirits. 19None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life.

20So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

21For the upright will inhabit the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be uprooted.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hebrews 6:12	Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
2	3 John 1:11	Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
3	Psalms 119:63	I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.
4	Proverbs 13:20	He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
5	Jeremiah 6:16	This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
6	Psalms 119:115	Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
7	Song of Solomon 1:7–8	Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions? If you do not know, O fairest of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats near the tents of the shepherds.

Proverbs 2:20 Summary

This verse is encouraging us to make good choices and live a life that is pleasing to God. It means we should try to be like people who are kind, honest, and fair, as described in Proverbs 10:9. By following in the ways of the good and keeping to the paths of the righteous, we can experience a life of purpose and fulfillment, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. This requires us to read and obey God's Word, as stated in Joshua 1:8, and to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to follow in the ways of the good?

Following in the ways of the good means to live a life that is pleasing to God, as described in Psalms 37:37, and to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived righteous lives, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-40.

How can we keep to the paths of the righteous?

Keeping to the paths of the righteous requires a commitment to living according to God's Word, as stated in Psalms 119:105, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13.

What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding context?

This verse serves as a contrast to the warning about the dangers of following the path of the wicked, as described in Proverbs 2:18-19, and instead encourages the reader to follow the path of righteousness, which leads to life and blessing, as seen in Proverbs 2:21-22.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that our daily choices have consequences, and that following the ways of the good and keeping to the paths of the righteous will lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can intentionally follow in the ways of the good in my daily life?
How can I discern whether a particular path or decision is righteous or not?
What are some biblical examples of people who kept to the paths of the righteous, and what can I learn from their experiences?
In what ways can I seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to help me stay on the path of righteousness?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:20

That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men],.... Who are not so by nature, but made so by the grace of God; such as the saints, prophets, and patriarchs of old; and who walked in the way of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:20

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20

This depends upon , and is mentioned as another happy fruit of wisdom, the former being declared from to this verse. Walk in the way of good men; follow the counsels and examples of the godly; whereby he intimates that it is not sufficient to abstain from evil company and practices, but that we must choose the conversation of good men.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20

Proverbs 2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous.Ver. 20. That thou mayest walk in the way.] This is another work of wisdom - as to keep us from bad company, so to put us into good, where much good may be learned. Dr Taylor, martyr, rejoiced that ever he came in prison, there to be acquainted with that angel of God, John Bradford (so he called him). Latimer and Ridley, while they lived, kept up Cranmer by intercourse of letters, and otherwise, from entertaining counsels of revolt. A child having been brought up with Plato, returned home to his father’ s house, and, hearing his father to chide, and exclaim furiously in his anger, used these speeches to his father, "I have never seen the like with Plato." Acts and Mon. Ibid. Sen., De Ira, lib. iii. cap. 11.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20

Verse 20. That thou mayest mark] Therefore thou shalt walk.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:20

20. that thou mayest &c.] The construction is still dependent on Proverbs 2:10-11. The punctuation should be throughout as in R.V., with no full stops as in A.V.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:20

The previous picture of shame and sin is brought before the disciple as an incentive to a better course.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:20

20. That — In order that — dependent on Proverbs 2:11 : all this I say, in order that thou mayest, etc.

Sermons on Proverbs 2:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Australia) Offended in Christ by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has everything under control. The congregation is encouraged to rejoice and sing in the presence of the Lord. The preacher mentions
	(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent
	(Genesis) - Part 19 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free from attachment to worldly things. He uses the example of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to ill
	(Revelation) Revelation 13:1-13 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limited period of three and a half years mentioned in the Bible. He refers to Daniel's 70th week and explains that this period of authori
	A God Sent Message of Warning by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the need for genuine faith in Christ, the danger of drifting away, and the necess
	(Hebrews) ch.6:16-8:9 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to the end of oneself in order to experience the power of God. He explains that the purpose of the law was to show m
	Pioneers (Abraham, a Pioneer of Revival, Missions, and Holiness) - Part 2 by David Smithers	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pleasing God and growing in faith. He encourages the audience to abound more and more in their walk with Christ. The speake