CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-24.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/20_Pro_15_24.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:24 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/15-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/15-24.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 24</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm" title="Proverbs 15:23">◄</a> Proverbs 15:24 <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm" title="Proverbs 15:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The way of life <i>is</i> above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The way of life <i>winds</i> upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The path of life <i>leads</i> upward for the wise, So that he may keep away from Sheol below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise That he may keep away from Sheol below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The path of life <i>leads</i> upward for the wise, That he may keep away from Sheol below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The path of life <i>leads</i> upward for the one who has insight That he may turn away from Sheol below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The [chosen] path of life leads upward for the wise, That he may keep away from Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the prudent the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />All who are wise follow a road that leads upward to life and away from death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />To the wise the way of life goeth upward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The path of life for a wise person leads upward in order to turn him away from hell below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wise people walk the road that leads upward to life, not the road that leads downward to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The way of life leads upward for the wise so he may avoid Sheol below.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A path of life [is] on high for the wise, "" To turn aside from Sheol beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A path of life is on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The path of life is above to the understanding one, to depart from hades below.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The path of life is above for the wise, that he may decline from the lowest hell. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The path of life is for the wise above, so that he may turn away from the end of Hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The path of life leads upward for the prudent, turning them from Sheol below. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the wise the path of life leads upward, in order to avoid Sheol below.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The way of life leads upward for the wise, that he may depart from the depths of Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Way of Life is an ascent to the understanding one, to turn away from Sheol beneath.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The path of life goeth upward for the wise, that he may depart from the nether-world beneath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2971" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word! <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ō·raḥ (N-csc) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">The path</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of life</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: lə·ma‘·lāh (Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc.">leads upward</a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: lə·maś·kîl (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">for the wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr (V-Qal-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">he may avoid</a> <a href="/hebrew/4295.htm" title="4295: māṭ·ṭāh (Adv) -- From avar with directive enclitic appended; downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes.">going down</a> <a href="/hebrew/7585.htm" title="7585: miš·šə·’ō·wl (Prep-m:: N-cs) -- Or shol; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.">to Sheol.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></span><br />You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Proverbs 12:28</a></span><br />There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16-17</a></span><br />Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” / “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Psalm 23:3</a></span><br />He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></span><br />For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-11.htm">1 John 5:11-12</a></span><br />And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. / Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-3.htm">Isaiah 2:3</a></span><br />And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a></span><br />The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.</p><p class="hdg">way</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Proverbs 6:23</a></b></br> For the commandment <i>is</i> a lamp; and the law <i>is</i> light; and reproofs of instruction <i>are</i> the way of life:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Psalm 16:11</a></b></br> Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence <i>is</i> fulness of joy; at thy right hand <i>there are</i> pleasures for evermore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/139-24.htm">Psalm 139:24</a></b></br> And see if <i>there be any</i> wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.</p><p class="hdg">above</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20</a></b></br> For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">Colossians 3:1,2</a></b></br> If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God… </p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm">Proverbs 2:18</a></b></br> For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-5.htm">Proverbs 5:5</a></b></br> Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-27.htm">Proverbs 7:27</a></b></br> Her house <i>is</i> the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/13-7.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/job/40-13.htm">Below</a> <a href="/psalms/45-5.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-30.htm">Downward</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/job/5-7.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Upwards</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Below</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Beneath</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Downward</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-19.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Hell</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">High</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Nether-World</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Path</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Sheol</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-14.htm">Underworld</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Upwards</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The path of life leads upward for the wise</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the journey of spiritual growth and moral integrity. In biblical context, the "path of life" often refers to a way of living that aligns with God's commandments and wisdom. The upward direction signifies progress towards God and eternal life. In ancient Israel, the concept of wisdom was deeply connected to the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), suggesting that true wisdom involves a reverent relationship with God. The imagery of an upward path contrasts with the downward pull of sin and folly, as seen in other wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes and Job. This upward journey can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of wisdom and the way to eternal life (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>).<p><b>that he may avoid going down to Sheol</b><br>Sheol in the Old Testament is often depicted as a shadowy place of the dead, a realm of silence and separation from God. The wise person, by following the path of life, avoids this fate. This reflects the cultural understanding of life and death in ancient Israel, where Sheol was seen as a place of no return and despair (<a href="/psalms/88-3.htm">Psalm 88:3-5</a>). The avoidance of Sheol symbolizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that are more fully developed in the New Testament. The contrast between upward and downward paths underscores the moral choices that lead either to life or to death, echoing <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>, where God sets before His people life and death, blessings and curses. This choice is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and victory over death (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">1 Corinthians 15:54-57</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are contrasted with the foolish, who reject wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and separation from God. It represents the ultimate consequence of a life lived apart from divine wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_life.htm">The Path of Life</a></b><br>This metaphorical path represents a life journey aligned with God's wisdom and righteousness, leading to eternal life and fellowship with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It requires a heart aligned with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>The wise live with an eternal perspective, understanding that their choices have consequences beyond this life. They seek to avoid the spiritual death represented by Sheol.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/daily_choices_matter.htm">Daily Choices Matter</a></b><br>Every decision can either lead us closer to God or away from Him. The wise consistently choose the path that leads upward.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_pitfalls.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Pitfalls</a></b><br>By adhering to God's wisdom, the wise avoid the traps and pitfalls that lead to spiritual death and separation from God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_new_man_in_the_story.htm">What are the torments of Sheol?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_torments_of_sheol.htm">What are the torments of Sheol?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_use_personification_over_concrete_proof.htm">Proverbs 9:13-18 presents Folly as another woman calling out to the naive. Why rely on personification instead of providing concrete historical or scientific validations for these moral teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">The way of life is above to the wise.--</span>These words sound like a faint echo of such passages as <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm" title="For our conversation is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:">Philippians 3:20</a>; <a href="/context/colossians/3-1.htm" title=" If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.">Colossians 3:1-2</a>, though the writer's meaning may only have been that the wise man who fears the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7</a>) is rewarded with long life on earth (<a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm" title="Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.">Proverbs 3:16</a>), and escapes death and hell (<a href="/context/proverbs/2-18.htm" title="For her house inclines to death, and her paths to the dead.">Proverbs 2:18-19</a>). Comp. <a href="/context/isaiah/38-18.htm" title="For the grave cannot praise you, death can not celebrate you: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for your truth.">Isaiah 38:18-19</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The way of life is above to the wise;</span> Revised Version, <span class="accented">to the wise the way of life goeth upward.</span> The writer means primarily that the wise and good lead such a life as to preserve them from death (<a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Proverbs 14:32</a>). The path may be steep and painful, but at any rate it has this compensation - it leads away from destruction. It is obvious to read into the passage higher teaching. The good man's path leads heavenward, to a high life here, to happiness hereafter; his conversation is in heaven (<a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20</a>), his affections are set on things above (<a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a>). Such an upward life tends to material and spiritual health, as it is added, <span class="cmt_word">that he may depart from hell</span> (<span class="accented">SheoI</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>beneath</span>. Primarily, a long and happy life is promised to the man who fears the Lord, as in <a href="/proverbs/3-16.htm">Proverbs 3:16</a>; secondarily, such a one avoids that downward course which ends in the darkness of hell. Vulgate, "The path of life is above the instructed man, to make him avoid the nethermost (<span class="accented">novissimo</span>) hell;" Septuagint, "The thoughts of the prudent man are the ways of life, that turning from Hades he may be safe." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The path</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹ֣רַח</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of life</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֭יִּים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[leads] upward</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֣עְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma‘·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adverb | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4605.htm">Strong's 4605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the wise,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַשְׂכִּ֑יל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·maś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמַ֥עַן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ma·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purpose -- intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he may avoid</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֝֗וּר</span> <span class="translit">(sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">going down</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽטָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(māṭ·ṭāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4295.htm">Strong's 4295: </a> </span><span class="str2">Downward, below, beneath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Sheol.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְּׁא֥וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šə·’ō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm">Strong's 7585: </a> </span><span class="str2">Underworld (place to which people descend at death)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-24.htm">Proverbs 15:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:24 The path of life leads upward (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>