Proverbs 2:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This undoubtedly pertains to us, as we make the straight and gentle paths of the Lord arduous and stony through our own desires, straying from the royal way established firmly by the apostolic and prophetic foundations laid by the footsteps of all the saints and the Lord Himself. We find ourselves wandering along winding trails and areas overrun with thorns, and, captivated by the allure of fleeting pleasures, we stumble along murky and treacherous paths of sin, injuring ourselves, tearing our garments of righteousness, and being harmed not only by the sharp points of thorns but also by the bites of venomous serpents and scorpions that lie in wait.

In the tribulations experienced by those driven by passion, the responsibility lies solely with them. However, they have the choice to turn away from righteous ways — the ways of holiness and virtue. Had they chosen to tread steadfastly along these routes, they would have discovered that these paths are smooth and would have come to realize through personal experience that persistent adherence to the ways of righteousness brings about the favor of God and enhances their well-being, in line with the assurances found in the Old Testament. Similarly, it is the covetous who are solely accountable for their own misfortunes. They too have the freedom to stray from the paths of godliness and virtue.