Proverbs 2:20 Study Bible: that you may walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

◄ Proverbs 2:20 ►

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

So you will follow in the ways of the good
This 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 echoes Psalm 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. Solomon
Traditionally 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 Men
This refers to those who live according to God's wisdom and righteousness, setting an example for others to follow.

3. Paths of the Righteous
Symbolic 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 Models
Surround yourself with individuals who exemplify godly wisdom and righteousness. Their influence can guide you in making wise decisions.

Walking in Righteousness
Commit to living a life that aligns with God's commandments. This involves daily choices that reflect integrity and moral uprightness.

The Path of Wisdom
Seek wisdom through prayer, scripture study, and the counsel of mature believers. Wisdom is a journey that requires intentionality and perseverance.

Guarding Your Associations
Be mindful of the company you keep. Associating with those who live righteously can strengthen your own walk with God.

The Reward of Righteous Living
Understand that following the paths of the righteous leads to spiritual blessings and a deeper relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What characteristics define "good men" according to Proverbs and other scriptures?

2. How can you identify the "paths of the righteous" in your daily life?

3. In what ways can you ensure that you are influenced by godly role models?

4. How does the concept of walking in righteousness relate to Jesus' teaching about the narrow path?

5. Reflect on a time when associating with righteous individuals positively impacted your spiritual journey. How can you cultivate more of these relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 1
This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, emphasizing the blessings of walking in righteousness.

Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus speaks about the narrow path that leads to life, which aligns with the idea of following the paths of the righteous.

1 Corinthians 15:33
Paul warns about the influence of bad company, highlighting the importance of associating with good men.

Sermons

The True Way of Walking	Francis Taylor.	Proverbs 2:20
The Profit of Religious Knowledge	E. Johnson	Proverbs 2:10-22
Recompense and Retribution	W. Clarkson	Proverbs 2:20-22
The Principle of Moral Stability	E. Johnson	Proverbs 2:20-22

People

Solomon

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Footsteps, Mayest, Paths, Righteous, Upright, Walk

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Proverbs 2:16-19

6188 immorality, sexual

Proverbs 2:18-19

9110 after-life

Library

The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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