Proverbs 16:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:17

Note, 1. It is the way of the upright to avoid sin, and every thing that looks like it and leads towards it; and this is a highway marked out by authority, tracked by many that have gone before us, and in which we meet with many that keep company with us; it is easy to find and safe to be travelled in, like a highway, Isa. 35:8. To depart from evil is understanding. 2. It is the care of the upright to preserve their own souls, that they be not polluted with sin, and that by the troubles of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:17

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil ,.... Upright persons, such who are upright in heart, and walk uprightly; these walk in the highway of holiness, in which men, though fools, shall not err; in the King's highway, the highway of the King of kings; in the plain beaten path of God's commandments; and so shun the bypaths of sin, and abstain from all appearance of it: this is their common constant course of life; they are studiously concerned to walk herein, and take delight in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:17

The highway of the upright - The upright man is ever departing from evil; this is his common road: and by keeping on in this way, his soul is preserved. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16-26

The Divine justice in respect to the wise and fools We see the moral order of God revealed in the character and life of men in various ways. Their conduct has a good or evil effect on themselves, on their fellows, and is exposed to Divine judgment. Let us take these in their order. I. THE REFLEXIVE EFFECT OF MAN 'S CONDUCT . 1 . Wisdom is enriching ( Proverbs 16:16 ). To acquire it is better than ordinary wealth ( Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:17

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. To avoid the dangerous byways to which evil leads, one must walk straight in the path of duty (comp. Proverbs 15:19 ). 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,' ἐν ἀγαθοῖς ] , and he who observeth reproof shall become... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:16-18

Proverbs 16:16-18. How much better is it It is inexpressibly and inconceivably better to get wisdom than gold Because it brings a man more certain, and complete, and lasting comfort and advantage. The way of the upright Their common road, in which they constantly desire, purpose, and endeavour to walk; is to depart from evil The evil of sin, whereby they escape the evil of punishment. He that keepeth his way That takes heed to walk in that high way; preserveth his soul From that... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:17

the upright = upright ones. keepeth = guardeth. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:17

"The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.""The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life."[20] This promise that length of life is related to righteous living is reiterated in the New Testament (Ephesians 6:1:3). There must needs be exceptions, of course, due to many factors that serve as hindrances to the will of God. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 16:17

17. The highway—A common, plain road represents the habitual course of the righteous in departing from evil. keepeth—observes. read more

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