“Her ways.” The Hebrew text of this verse allows for a number of correct interpretations. The Hebrew reads more literally: “Her roads—roads of pleasantness; and all of her paths—peace.” The last stanza, for example, can be understood in at least two distinct ways. One is that her roads are peaceful roads, roads without a lot of trouble. It certainly is true that when we walk with wisdom, the roads we walk on are more peaceful—the life we live is a more peaceful life. However, the stanza can also mean that the paths of wisdom are peace: in other words, wisdom always acts in a peaceful manner, she always takes the path of peace. The way the REV is worded might take a little more prayer and study to understand than simply saying “all of her paths are peaceful paths,” but it is important to allow for the multiple interpretations that the original text is allowing for.

“pleasant.” Wisdom, and thus the wise person, knows the value of being pleasant and peaceful. A lot of the anxieties and frustrations of life come about because of entering into a quarrel that is not one’s business in the first place, or not overlooking someone else’s sin. We all make mistakes, and while sometimes pointing out a person’s mistakes is helpful, many times it just causes pointless trouble (cp. Eccles. 7:21-22).