Proverbs 8:20
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
Original Language Analysis
בְּאֹֽרַח
in the way
H734
בְּאֹֽרַח
in the way
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
1 of 6
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
צְדָקָ֥ה
of righteousness
H6666
צְדָקָ֥ה
of righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
2 of 6
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך
I lead
H1980
אֲהַלֵּ֑ך
I lead
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּ֝ת֗וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּ֝ת֗וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
4 of 6
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:32Ye 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.Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Proverbs 6:22When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.Proverbs 3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom sometimes separated cleverness from morality - achieving success regardless of ethics. Biblical wisdom insists on integration: true wisdom is inherently moral. Cleverness without righteousness is devilish wisdom (James 3:15). Jesus embodied perfect wisdom and perfect righteousness inseparably. For Christians, wisdom is Christ, who 'is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness' (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish godly wisdom (inherently righteous) from worldly cleverness (potentially immoral)?
- What areas of life have you separated practical success from moral integrity?
- How does Christ as wisdom incarnate integrate all truth and goodness inseparably?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom walks in righteousness, in the midst of justice's paths. The Hebrew 'halak' (walk), 'tsedaqah' (righteousness), and 'mishpat' (justice/judgment) describe wisdom's moral trajectory. Wisdom doesn't merely know right but does right. Path language indicates consistent life direction, not occasional right actions. Wisdom produces habitual righteousness and justice. True wisdom necessarily includes moral living.