Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Original Language Analysis
מְסִלַּ֣ת
The highway
H4546
מְסִלַּ֣ת
The highway
Strong's:
H4546
Word #:
1 of 8
a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
preserveth
H8104
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
preserveth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
H5315
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ
his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Isaiah 35:8And 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 shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Proverbs 10:9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.Proverbs 19:16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.Revelation 3:10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Historical Context
Ancient highways enabled commerce and travel but also brought dangers. Staying on the raised road avoided ditches, marshes, and ambushes. Similarly, the upright's moral highway keeps them safe from evil's dangers. Israel's history showed that departing from God's way brought calamity while keeping it brought life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Christ is the way (John 14:6), and walking in Him preserves souls eternally.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your life characterized by actively departing from evil or merely avoiding obviously bad things?
- What does 'keeping your way' look like practically in terms of guarding your heart, eyes, relationships?
- How does walking in Christ as the Way (John 14:6) preserve your soul eternally?
Analysis & Commentary
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. Mesilat yesharim sur mera (מְסִלַּת יְשָׁרִים סוּר מֵרָע, the highway of the upright—departing from evil). Mesillah (מְסִלָּה, highway, raised road) represents the upright person's characteristic path—avoiding evil. Shomer darko shomer nafsho (שֹׁמֵר דַּרְכּוֹ שֹׁמֵר נַפְשׁוֹ, guarding his way guards his soul). Careful living preserves life. The proverb teaches that righteousness isn't passive goodness but active evil-avoidance. Believers must flee temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22) and pursue righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11).