Proverbs 16:17
Proverbs 16:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
The highway of the upright is to be turned away from evil: he who takes care of his way will keep his soul.
The highway of the good leads away from evil. If you watch where you're going you'll save your life.
The pathe of the righteous is to decline from euil, and hee keepeth his soule, that keepeth his way.
A highway of the upright [is], 'Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
The path of the just departeth from evils: he that keepeth his soul keepeth his way.
Those whose behavior [MET] is good/right turn away from doing evil; those who guard their conduct [MTY] protect their lives.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְסִלַּ֣ת
יְ֭שָׁרִים
ס֣וּר
מֵ/רָ֑ע
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
נֹצֵ֥ר
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
מְסִלַּ֣ת
mᵉçillâh
H4546
highway
N-fs
יְ֭שָׁרִים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
נֹצֵ֥ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:17
מְסִלַּ֣ת
mᵉçillâh
H4546
"highway"
N-fs
This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.
Definition: highway, raised way, public road
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.
יְ֭שָׁרִים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
נֹצֵ֥ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:17
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 35:8 | And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it— only those who walk in the Way— and fools will not stray onto it. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:16 | He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:9 | He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. |
| 4 | Revelation 3:10 | Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:24–27 | Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech. Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil. |
| 6 | Titus 2:10–14 | not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. |
| 7 | Jude 1:21 | keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. |
| 8 | Acts 10:35 | but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. |
| 9 | Hebrews 10:39 | But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. |
| 10 | Matthew 24:13 | But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. |
Proverbs 16:17 Summary
This verse means that when we choose to live a life that honors God and follows His principles, we are more likely to avoid harmful and evil things. By being intentional about the choices we make and the company we keep, we can protect ourselves from danger and stay on the path of righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 16:17 and supported by Psalms 37:23-24. It's not always easy, but with God's help and guidance, we can trust that He will lead us on the right path and keep us safe. By following God's way, we can have confidence that He will protect and direct us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be on the 'highway of the upright' in Proverbs 16:17?
To be on the 'highway of the upright' means to live a life of righteousness and integrity, following God's path and principles, as described in Psalms 23:3-4 and Proverbs 10:9.
How can guarding my way protect my life?
Guarding your way means being mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions, and making choices that align with God's will, as seen in Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 7:13-14, to avoid harm and danger.
Is this verse saying that I can avoid all evil by being upright?
While being upright and following God's path can certainly help us avoid many evils, as seen in Proverbs 16:17, it's not a guarantee that we will never face challenges or hardships, as Jesus Himself faced opposition and suffering, as described in John 15:20 and Hebrews 12:3.
How does this verse relate to my daily life and the choices I make?
This verse encourages us to make intentional choices that align with God's will and to be mindful of the company we keep and the paths we choose, as warned in Proverbs 1:10-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:33, to protect our lives and stay on the path of righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more intentional about guarding my way and protecting my life?
- How can I practically apply the principle of being on the 'highway of the upright' in my daily choices and relationships?
- What are some potential dangers or evils that I may face if I don't guard my way, and how can I prepare myself to withstand them?
- In what ways can I trust God to guide and protect me as I seek to follow His path and principles, as promised in Psalms 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil,.... Upright persons, such who are upright in heart, and walk uprightly; these walk in the highway of holiness, in which men, though fools, shall
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright, their common road, in which they constantly purpose, and desire, and customarily use to walk, although sometimes through frailty or temptation they slip into the by-paths of sin, is to depart from evil; from the evil of sin, and consequently from the evil of punishment. He that keepeth his way, that takes heed to walk in that highway, preserveth his soul from that mischief which befalls those that walk in the crooked paths of wickedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Ver 17. The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.] That is his road, his desire and endeavour, his general purpose, though sometimes (by mistake, or violence of temptation), he step out of the way, and turn aside to sin, yet there is no "way of wickedness" in him. His endeavour is, with Paul, to walk in all good conscience, to shape his course by the chart of God’ s Word, to shun sin as a serpent in his way, as poison in his meats. He that keepeth his way, preserveth his soul.] As, if a man be out of God’ s precincts, he is out of his protection. "He shall keep thee in all thy ways," not in all thine out strays. He that leaves the highway, and takes to byways, travelling at unseasonable hours, &c., if he fall into foul hands, he may go look his remedy; the law allows him none.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
Verse 17. The highway of the upright] The upright man is ever departing from evil; this is his common road: and by keeping on in this way, his soul is preserved.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:17
17. The LXX. gives a fuller text here: “The paths of life depart from evil, And ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receiveth instruction shall prosper, And he that taketh heed to reproofs shall be made wise. He that taketh heed to his ways keepeth his soul, And he that loveth his life will be sparing of words.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:17
17. Highway of the upright — This proverb would show the meaning better by a little transposition. Departing from evil is the highway of the upright — the way on which they travel. It leads from evil.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Secret to Prayer by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a g |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 35:8 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to examine their hearts and lives in light of the Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of forsaking worldly desires and living |
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God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and |
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The the Ministry of the Saints—dying to Self by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, Brother Denny begins by expressing his desire for the listeners' lives to be blessed and changed by the message. He emphasizes that the sermon is not copyrighted an |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the future reign of Christ and the restoration of the world as God intended it. He emphasizes that the current state of suffering and physical |
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A Highway in the Desert by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the miraculous work of the Lord in Times Square Church, highlighting the transformation and impact of the Word of God and the power of God in caring for the |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Isaiah, exploring the prophetical messages and historical events outlined in the Old Testament. It highlights the importance of surrendering to |