Proverbs 19:16
Proverbs 19:16 in Multiple Translations
He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; But he that is careless of his ways shall die.
He who keeps the law keeps his soul; but death will be the fate of him who takes no note of the word.
Keep the commandments, and you'll live; despise them and you'll die.
He that keepeth the commandement, keepeth his owne soule: but hee that despiseth his wayes, shall dye.
Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
He that keepeth the commandment, keepeth his own soul: but he that neglecteth his own way, shall die.
Those who obey God’s commandments will remain alive for a long time; those who despise/disobey them (OR, those who do not control their own conduct) will die while they are still young.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:16
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 19:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
מִ֭צְוָה
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
בּוֹזֵ֖ה
דְרָכָ֣י/ו
יומת
יָמֽוּת
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
מִ֭צְוָה
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בּוֹזֵ֖ה
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal
דְרָכָ֣י/ו
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
יומת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:16
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
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.
מִ֭צְוָה
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
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.
נַפְשׁ֑/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.
בּוֹזֵ֖ה
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
דְרָכָ֣י/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | 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.
יומת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:16
Context — The Man of Integrity
14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. 18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 10:28 | “You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:13 | He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. |
| 3 | Luke 11:28 | But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” |
| 4 | 1 John 5:3 | For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, |
| 5 | 1 John 3:22 | and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. |
| 6 | Proverbs 29:18 | Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:17 | The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:23 | He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. |
| 9 | Proverbs 3:1 | My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 8:5 | Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. |
Proverbs 19:16 Summary
Proverbs 19:16 teaches us that obeying God's commands is essential for our spiritual well-being. When we keep God's commandments, we show that we love and respect Him, and this helps us to stay on the right path (as seen in John 14:15). On the other hand, being careless and disobedient can lead to spiritual death. By following God's instructions, such as those found in the Bible, we can preserve our souls and experience a deeper relationship with Him (similar to what is described in Psalm 119:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to keep a commandment in Proverbs 19:16?
Keeping a commandment means to obey and follow God's instructions as outlined in the Bible, such as those found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, which will ultimately lead to the preservation of one's soul.
What does it mean to be careless in one's ways?
Being careless in one's ways, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:16, refers to a lack of regard for God's commands and principles, similar to what is described in Proverbs 10:17, which can lead to spiritual death and separation from God.
How does preserving one's soul relate to eternal life?
Preserving one's soul, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:16, is connected to the concept of eternal life, as described in John 3:16, where those who keep God's commandments demonstrate their love for Him and are more likely to experience eternal life.
Is Proverbs 19:16 saying that keeping commandments saves us?
While Proverbs 19:16 emphasizes the importance of keeping commandments, it is essential to understand that salvation is a gift from God, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, and that keeping commandments is a response to God's love and grace, rather than the means of achieving salvation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some commandments that I have been neglecting, and how can I start obeying them?
- In what ways have I been careless in my ways, and what steps can I take to be more mindful of God's principles?
- How does the promise of preserving my soul motivate me to follow God's commands, and what are some areas where I need to be more diligent?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my love for God by keeping His commandments, and how can I share this love with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:16
He that keepeth the commandment,.... Either of parents, as children ought to do; or of masters, as servants should; or of kings and princes, as is the duty of subjects in all things lawful: or rather
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:16
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
The commandment; the commands of God, called by way of eminence the commandment, as the word is oft used emphatically for the word of God, as hath been noted before. fore. His ways; either, 1. His own ways, by not taking heed to his ways, so as to order his conversation aright. Or, 2. The ways of God, who is understood in the former clause.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
Proverbs 19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die.Ver. 16. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul.] This is the first fruit of shaking off sloth and sleepiness. He that "stirs up himself to take hold of God," and to "take hold of his covenant," "to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servant," to "love him, and keep his commandments," to do that little he does out of love, if it be no more than to "think upon his commandments to do them," this man’ s soul shall be bound up "in the bundle of life," he shall find his name written "in the book of like." For in vitae libro scribuntur omnes qui quod possunt faciunt, etsi quod debent non possunt, saith Bernard. Their names are written in heaven who do what they can, though they cannot do what they ought. "If there be a willing mind, God accepts according to what a man hath, not according to what he hath not." And here also, Nolentem, praevenit Deus ut velit, volentem subsequitur ne frustra velit. God, that gives "both to will and to do," "causeth his people to keep his commandments," and "worketh all their works in them, and for them." Lex iubet, gratia iuvat; petamus ut det, quod ut habeamus iubet. The law commandeth, but grace helpeth. Let us beg that God would make us to be what he requires us to be. But he that despiseth his ways.] That is, God’ s ways, chalked out in his word. Or, He that despiseth his own ways - lives carelessly, and at random; walks at all adventures with God, cui vita est incomposita, et pessime morata contra gnomonem et canonem Decalogi, a loose and lawless person - he "shall die," not a natural death only, as all do, but spiritual and eternal.
There is but an inch between him and hell, which already gapes for him, and will certainly swallow him up. Aug. Enebir. cap. 32. Augustin. in Exod. quaest. 55. Aut mentem aut restim comparandum. - Chrysip.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
(16) He that despiseth his ways—i.e., takes no heed to them, whether they please God or not. Shall die.—Physically (comp. Exodus 12:15; 1 Corinthians 11:30), spiritually (comp. Luke 1:79); a death to be completed hereafter (Revelation 2:11).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:16
16. despiseth] i.e. pays no heed to them (is careless of, R.V.; negligit, Vulg.), through a contemptuous disregard of “the commandment” which should regulate them. Similarly for despise not, A. V., we have regard not lightly, R.V. in Hebrews 12:5. Contrast Proverbs 16:17.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:16
Keepeth his own soul - i. e., His life in the truest and highest sense.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:16
16. He that keepeth the commandment — Observes or practices the law of God. Keepeth… soul — Himself. But he that despiseth, or slights, his ways shall die — Shall be put to death.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Following the Voice of Jesus by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of discerning and following the voice of Jesus, urging believers to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture while being open to correcti |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led h |
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Doing Something About It by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of being in church and attending Bible conferences. He acknowledges the importance of fun, humor, and relaxation, but warns a |
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Evils of Postponed Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is willing to give and be generous. He shares a story of a man who withheld his money from a missionar |
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Experiencing Pentecost by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself for Sunday service by getting enough rest on Saturday nights. He warns against engaging in long discussi |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Prayer in the New Testament - Part 1 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching and teaching the word of God. He shares that sometimes he feels physically sick when speaking to large crowds, but |