Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse doesn't just tell us to avoid evil; it paints a picture of a "highway," suggesting that a life set apart from wrong is the most direct, clear, and established path to true well-being. Carefully tending to this chosen path, even when temptations try to lure us onto dangerous detours, is what truly safeguards our lives.
This verse follows teachings about wise speech and trusting in the Lord, contrasting them with foolish pride. It emphasizes that the upright person's consistent path is actively avoiding wrongdoing, a choice that ultimately safeguards their life from the ruin sin brings.
Understand the original words
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Biblically, the upright are those who walk in integrity, righteousness, and conformity to God’s moral law; their lives are characterized by straightness and honesty before God and man.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
Evil signifies that which is morally corrupt, wicked, or destructive, representing anything that deviates from or opposes the character and will of God.
This Psalm is all about how to stay pure and live a life pleasing to God, directly echoing the idea in Proverbs that actively choosing to walk in God's way preserves us.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus talks about two paths: the wide, easy road leading to destruction, and the narrow, difficult road leading to life. This highlights the 'highway' of the upright as the less-traveled but ultimately life-saving path.
1 Corinthians 10:13This passage assures us that God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can bear and will provide a way out. It connects to guarding our way by showing God's active role in helping us avoid evil when we stay on His path.
1 Thessalonians 5:22This verse is a direct call to 'Abstain from all appearance of evil.' It reinforces the Proverbs' message by emphasizing the need for constant vigilance against sin and its potential entanglements.
ellicottProverbs 16:17: "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul."
(17) The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. —This is the plain way of duty, which lies right before him, which cannot be mistaken, whatever other difficulties he may have. (See above on Proverbs 6:23 .) He that keepeth his way.—That looks well to it.
pulpitProverbs 16:17: "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul."
Verse 17. - The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. To avoid the dangerous byways to which evil leads, one must walk straight in the path of duty (comp. Proverbs 15:19). Septuagint, "The paths of life decline from evil;" and this version adds some paragraphs in illustration, which are not in the Hebrew: "And the ways of righteousness are length of life. He who receiveth i…
This verse doesn't just tell us to avoid evil; it paints a picture of a "highway," suggesting that a life set apart from wrong is the most direct, clear, and established path to true well-being. Carefully tending to this chosen path, even when temptations try to lure us onto dangerous detours, is what truly safeguards our lives.
This verse follows teachings about wise speech and trusting in the Lord, contrasting them with foolish pride. It emphasizes that the upright person's consistent path is actively avoiding wrongdoing, a choice that ultimately safeguards their life from the ruin sin brings.
This verse follows teachings about wise speech and trusting in the Lord, contrasting them with foolish pride. It emphasizes that the upright person's consistent path is actively avoiding wrongdoing, a choice that ultimately safeguards their life from the ruin sin brings.
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"The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life." — This verse doesn't just tell us to avoid evil; it paints a picture of a "highway," suggesting that a life set apart from wrong is the most direct, clear, and established path to true well-being. Care…
