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<!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 16:17 The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_16_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:17 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life." /><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'; 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those who guard their ways preserve their lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright <i>is</i> to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The highway of the upright <i>is</i> to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; One who watches his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; He who guards his way keeps his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright turns away <i>and</i> departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God's people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The highway of decent people turns away from evil. Whoever watches his way preserves his own life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going--it may save your life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The road of the upright circumvents evil, and whoever watches how he lives preserves his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to turn away from evil; the one who guards his way safeguards his life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A highway of the upright [is] to turn from evil, "" Whoever is preserving his soul is watching his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A highway of the upright is, 'Turn from evil,' Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: to watch his ways the guarding of his soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The path of the just departeth from evils: he that keepeth his soul keepeth his way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The path of the just turns away from evils. He who guards his soul preserves his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The path of the upright leads away from misfortune; those who attend to their way guard their lives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their way preserve their lives.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The path of the upright causes one to turn away from evil; he who is careful of his soul safeguards his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The path of the upright turns from evil and he that pays attention to his soul keeps his way.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-17.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=3170" 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/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4546.htm" title="4546: mə·sil·laṯ (N-fsc) -- A highway. From calal; a thoroughfare, literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase.">The highway</a> <a href="/hebrew/3477.htm" title="3477: yə·šā·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Straight, right. From yashar; straight.">of the upright</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr (V-Qal-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">leads away</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: mê·rā‘ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">from evil;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: nō·ṣêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">he who guards</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">his way</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">protects</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">his life.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.…<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="/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="/psalms/119-1.htm">Psalm 119:1</a></span><br />Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.<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="/isaiah/26-7.htm">Isaiah 26:7</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-2</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">1 Peter 3:11</a></span><br />He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-26.htm">Proverbs 4:26-27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></span><br />Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-16</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a></span><br />in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Romans 12:9</a></span><br />Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-101.htm">Psalm 119:101</a></span><br />I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a></span><br />Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.</p><p class="hdg">highway</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24-27</a></b></br> Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></b></br> 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 <i>shall be</i> for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err <i>therein</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-35.htm">Acts 10:35</a></b></br> But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.</p><p class="hdg">he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Proverbs 10:9</a></b></br> He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Proverbs 19:16</a></b></br> He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; <i>but</i> he that despiseth his ways shall die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-13.htm">Matthew 24:13</a></b></br> But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Avoids</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Highway</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Preserveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-21.htm">Watches</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Avoids</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-16.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-3.htm">Highway</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Life</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-12.htm">Preserveth</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-2.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Turns</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Watches</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</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/16.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/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The highway of the upright</b><br>This phrase suggests a path or way of life that is characterized by righteousness and integrity. In biblical context, a "highway" often symbolizes a clear and direct path, free from obstacles, leading to a desired destination. The upright are those who live according to God's commandments and moral principles. This imagery is consistent with other scriptures, such as <a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a>, which speaks of a "highway of holiness" where the unclean will not travel. The concept of a highway implies intentionality and purpose in one's spiritual journey.<p><b>leads away from evil;</b><br>The path of the upright is designed to steer individuals away from sin and moral corruption. This aligns with the biblical teaching that righteousness and wisdom protect one from the snares of evil (<a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Proverbs 2:12-15</a>). The idea of being led away from evil suggests divine guidance and the importance of making choices that align with God's will. It reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">2 Corinthians 6:17</a>, where believers are called to come out from among the wicked and be separate.<p><b>he who guards his way</b><br>This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility in maintaining one's moral and spiritual integrity. To "guard" one's way implies vigilance and careful attention to one's actions and decisions. It echoes the biblical principle of self-discipline and watchfulness, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>, which advises keeping one's heart with all diligence. The imagery of guarding suggests a proactive stance against potential threats to one's spiritual well-being.<p><b>protects his life.</b><br>The outcome of guarding one's way is the preservation of life, both physically and spiritually. In the biblical worldview, life is a gift from God, and living in accordance with His commandments leads to blessing and longevity (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19-20</a>). This phrase underscores the connection between obedience to God and the well-being of the individual. It also reflects the promise of eternal life for those who follow the path of righteousness, as seen in <a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28</a>, where Jesus speaks of giving eternal life to His sheep.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_upright.htm">The Upright</a></b><br>Refers to those who live righteously and strive to follow God's commandments. In the Hebrew context, the word "upright" (yashar) implies moral integrity and straightness in conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_highway.htm">The Highway</a></b><br>Symbolizes the path or way of life that one chooses. In ancient times, a highway was a well-trodden path, indicating a deliberate and chosen way of living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/evil.htm">Evil</a></b><br>Represents sin, wickedness, and anything contrary to God's will. The Hebrew word for evil (ra) encompasses both moral and physical harm.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_one's_way.htm">Guarding One's Way</a></b><br>Implies vigilance and carefulness in one's actions and decisions. The Hebrew root (shamar) means to keep, watch, or preserve.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/life.htm">Life</a></b><br>In this context, life (chayim) refers not only to physical life but also to spiritual well-being and eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/choosing_the_right_path.htm">Choosing the Right Path</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to choose the path of righteousness deliberately. This involves daily decisions to follow God's Word and avoid sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_ways.htm">Guarding Our Ways</a></b><br>Vigilance in our spiritual walk is crucial. We must be aware of temptations and actively guard our hearts and minds against them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_our_choices.htm">The Consequences of Our Choices</a></b><br>Our choices have eternal significance. Walking in righteousness leads to life and protection, while straying into evil brings harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_god's_word.htm">The Role of God's Word</a></b><br>Scripture is our guide and map on the highway of life. Regular study and meditation on God's Word help us stay on the right path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping us to guard our ways and stay upright.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_context_justifies_psalm_58's_curses.htm">Which historical context supports the harsh curses in Psalm 58 when other biblical texts advocate forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_16_4_imply_god_created_evil.htm">Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/repay_evil_with_evil.htm">Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_your_biblical_adversary.htm">What does the Bible say about road rage?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.</span>--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 <a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm" title="For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:">Proverbs 6:23</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">He that keepeth his way.--</span>That looks well to it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The highway of the upright is to depart from evil.</span> To avoid the dangerous byways to which evil leads, one must walk straight in the path of duty (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a>). 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 instruction will be among the good [or, 'in prosperity,' <span class="greek">ἐν</span> <span class="greek">ἀγαθοῖς</span>], and he who observeth reproof shall become wise." <span class="cmt_word">He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.</span> He who continues in the right way, and looks carefully to his goings, will save himself from ruin and death (<a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a>). Septuagint, "He who watcheth his own ways keepeth his life." And then is added another maxim, "He that loveth his life will spare his mouth." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-17.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 highway</span><br /><span class="heb">מְסִלַּ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·sil·laṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4546.htm">Strong's 4546: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thoroughfare, a viaduct, a staircase</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the upright</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֭שָׁרִים</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3477.htm">Strong's 3477: </a> </span><span class="str2">Straight, right</span><br /><br /><span class="word">leads away</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֣וּר</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">from evil;</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he who guards</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹצֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(nō·ṣêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his way</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּרְכּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(dar·kōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">protects</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁמֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(šō·mêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his life.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:18" /></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>