Proverbs 8:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If you desire to run and walk, you are instead presented with the practice of the commandments. For Wisdom declares, “In the paths of righteousness I walk, and in the midst of the paths of justification I dwell.” It is truly marvelous to engage the soul and exercise along these trails, continually returning to the path of the commandments! In other words, the one who diligently fulfills the commandments should let the virtues of goodness and propriety be embellished time and again.

The wise individual listens to the call of wisdom herself. She cries out to humanity from lofty and bustling places and, acknowledging that her hands are filled with truth and significance, describes her divine attributes and actions as the hypostatic Wisdom. She bestows upon her followers power, riches, and prosperity; she shares in the creation alongside the Almighty (22, 23), engaging in the formation of the world (27-31). Now she beckons everyone to receive her teachings, pledging to impart wisdom and joy to them. The Lord established me as the beginning of His ways, the first of His works.

The gift of wisdom, originating from the Divine Source of Wisdom, surpasses all material gifts. However, the Divine Source does not withhold these earthly blessings from those who earnestly seek wisdom as a reward for their diligence. In this regard, the Divine Source demonstrates perfect justice. She traverses the ways of righteousness, ensuring that no one can justly claim unfairness in the allocation of worldly blessings. She resides within the realms of justice, remaining steadfast on the path of truth, neither yielding to favoritism on one side nor causing offense on the other.