Proverbs 16:17 kjv

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Proverbs 16:17 nkjv

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

Proverbs 16:17 niv

The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

Proverbs 16:17 esv

The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.

Proverbs 16:17 nlt

The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;
whoever follows that path is safe.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 17 Meaning

The journey of the righteous person involves actively turning away from all forms of evil. A wise individual who carefully guards their choices and actions on their life's path will consequently protect and preserve their very essence of being and existence. This verse emphasizes the direct correlation between living righteously, departing from wickedness, and safeguarding one's life.

Proverbs 16 17 Context

Proverbs is a key book within wisdom literature, providing practical divine instruction for living righteously in every aspect of life. Chapter 16 often highlights God's sovereignty over human plans and intentions, asserting that righteous conduct and humility are highly valued by the Lord. Proverbs 16:17 reinforces this theme by outlining the necessary actions of an upright person. In the ancient Near Eastern world, "the way" (derekh) metaphorically represented one's entire conduct, life journey, and destiny. The culture consistently linked adherence to moral and divine principles with prosperity and a flourishing life, while wickedness was understood to lead to ruin. This verse thus stands in implicit opposition to the idea that one can compromise with evil without severe consequences, emphasizing that true preservation comes from an active separation from it.

Proverbs 16 17 Word analysis

• The highway/way (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): Literally a physical road or path, but fundamentally used as a metaphor for a person's life course, their habitual conduct, or the manner in which they live. It signifies the overall trajectory and characteristic nature of one's journey.
• of the upright (יְשָׁרִים, yesharim): Derived from יָשָׁר (yashar), meaning straight, right, equitable, or just. It describes individuals whose moral and spiritual direction is unswervingly aligned with truth and righteousness, free from deceit or crookedness.
• is to depart (סוּר, sur): An active and deliberate verb indicating to turn aside, turn away, remove oneself, or abstain from. It denotes a conscious and intentional act of separation, rather than a passive avoidance, from something negative or undesirable.
• from evil (מֵרָע, me'ra'): רָע (ra') encompasses a broad spectrum of evil, including moral wickedness, malicious intent, as well as harm, disaster, or misfortune. In this context, it signifies both ethical wrongdoing and the detrimental outcomes that naturally spring from it.
• whoever guards (שֹׁמֵר, shomer): From the verb שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning to watch over, keep, preserve, observe, or protect. It conveys the idea of active vigilance, diligent oversight, and careful adherence, implying a proactive self-governance.
• his way (דַּרְכּוֹ, darko): A repetition of דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), again referring to one's path of life or behavior. The possessive suffix –וֹ (-o, "his") stresses the personal responsibility each individual has for their chosen course of conduct.
• preserves (נַפְשׁוֹ, nafsho): The word נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), often translated as "life," "soul," or "self." It denotes the entirety of a person's being—their vitality, inner person, individual existence, and ultimately their spiritual destiny. The preservation is holistic, encompassing spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Proverbs 16 17 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on "way" or "path" (derekh) underscores both the established nature of righteousness as a discernible course of life for the upright, and the personal accountability each individual bears to guard their own specific walk. The connection between turning from evil and wisdom, as explicitly stated in Job 28:28, highlights that Proverbs 16:17 is not mere pragmatic advice, but a revelation of profound spiritual truth. The "life" or nephesh that is preserved carries deeper theological implications than just physical existence; in the broader biblical narrative, this preservation points towards spiritual life, the well-being of the inner person, and the promise of eternal life secured through faithfulness to God.

Proverbs 16 17 Commentary

Proverbs 16:17 presents a clear axiom: authentic life preservation flows directly from choosing and steadfastly maintaining a path of righteousness that vigorously turns away from evil. The "highway of the upright" is not merely characterized by absence of evil, but by a definite, active turning (sur) from it. This turning is akin to ongoing repentance—a conscious reorientation towards God's will. It demands diligent self-watchfulness (shomer), an active guarding of one's choices, thoughts, and actions (his way), ensuring they align with divine wisdom. This proactive vigilance serves as a protective barrier, safeguarding one's nephesh—their entire being—from the corrosive effects and ultimate destruction wrought by wickedness. This protection extends to one's moral integrity, spiritual vitality, and often, practical well-being in all aspects of life.Examples of this principle in action include choosing honesty over expedient deception, thereby protecting one's reputation and integrity; actively pursuing humble service rather than prideful ambition, which preserves genuine relationships; or deliberately abstaining from harmful habits to safeguard one's physical health and mental clarity.