The Pulpit Commentary on Proverbs 3:17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Ways of pleasantness (dar'key noam); Vulgate, viae pulchrae; LXX; ὁδοὶ καλαὶ. Wisdom's ways are those in which substantial delight may be found. They are beautiful and lovely to look upon, and afford happiness.

All her paths are peace (v)kal-n)thivo-theyah shalom); literally, as in the Authorized Version. "Peace," shalom, is not genitive as "pleasantness." The character of peace is stamped upon her paths, so that in speaking of Wisdom's paths we speak of peace.

She brings tranquillity and serenity and blessedness. Her paths are free from strife and alarm, and they lead to peace. (On the distinction between "ways" and "paths"—the more open and the more private walks—see Proverbs 2:15.

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