Proverbs 16:17

¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

The highway {H4546} of the upright {H3477} is to depart {H5493} from evil {H7451}: he that keepeth {H5341} his way {H1870} preserveth {H8104} his soul {H5315}.

Avoiding evil is the highway of the upright; he who watches his step preserves his life.

The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Context

Proverbs 16:17 is a concise piece of wisdom literature from the book of Proverbs, a collection of divinely inspired sayings offering practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life. This verse, like many in Proverbs, contrasts the path of the wise and upright with the path of the foolish and wicked, emphasizing the consequences of one's moral choices. It fits within a broader theme in Proverbs that highlights the importance of ethical conduct and the benefits of living in accordance with God's wisdom.

Key Themes

  • The Path of Righteousness: The verse defines the "highway of the upright" as a deliberate turning away from evil. This isn't merely passive goodness, but an active, intentional choice to avoid sin and pursue what is right. It speaks to the very essence of the path of the righteous, which is characterized by moral integrity.
  • Active Avoidance of Evil: The phrase "to depart from evil" underscores that righteousness requires an active choice to depart from evil. It is a continuous process of discernment and discipline, where one consciously steers away from harmful influences and actions.
  • Diligence and Preservation: "He that keepeth his way" speaks to consistency and vigilance. It implies a steady commitment to the chosen path of righteousness. The reward for such diligence is that he "preserveth his soul," meaning he safeguards his life, well-being, and inner self from the destructive consequences of sin. This preservation is not just spiritual but often includes physical and mental well-being too.

Linguistic Insights

The term "highway" (Hebrew: mesillah) suggests a well-trodden, established road, indicating that the path of the upright is clear and discernable. "Depart from evil" (Hebrew: sur mera) is an active verb, emphasizing a conscious turning away or removal from wickedness. The phrase "keepeth his way" (Hebrew: shamar darko) implies diligent guardianship and adherence to one's chosen course, akin to guarding one's heart. "Preserveth his soul" (Hebrew: natsar nafsho) highlights the protective outcome of this diligent adherence, signifying the safeguarding of one's very being or life force.

Practical Application

Proverbs 16:17 offers timeless wisdom for daily living. It teaches that true righteousness is not just about believing good things, but actively choosing to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. For believers, this means consistently aligning one's actions, thoughts, and words with God's Word. By intentionally avoiding temptations, harmful influences, and sinful patterns, individuals can protect their spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being. This verse encourages a proactive approach to holiness, reminding us that diligence in walking the upright path leads to a preserved and flourishing life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 35:8

    And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

  • Proverbs 19:16

    ¶ He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.

  • Proverbs 10:9

    ¶ He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

  • Revelation 3:10

    Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

  • Proverbs 4:24

    Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

  • Proverbs 4:27

    Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

  • Titus 2:10

    Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

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