Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 19:16 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. "
Proverbs 19:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
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Here we see, first, the blessing of those who live carefully. Those who make it their duty to keep God’s command in every area of life, and who live by a clear rule as servants and patients under God’s care, keep their own souls. They protect their present peace and their future joy, and they do the best thing for themselves in every way. If we keep God’s word, God’s word will keep us from everything that is truly harmful.
Second, we see the misery of those who live carelessly and pay no attention to their conduct. Those who “despise their ways,” treating their conduct as nothing, will die and perish forever. They are already on the road to ruin. This is true of people who do not think about where their actions are leading, or about the right rule for their lives. They follow their own desires and the ways of the world (Ecclesiastes 11:9). They never think seriously about what they have done or what they ought to do. They walk without care, with no concern for right or wrong (Leviticus 26:21). What can come from that except great harm?
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 19:1
"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool."
Proverbs 19:2
"Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth."
Proverbs 19:3
"The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD."
Proverbs 19:4
"Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour."
Proverbs 19:5
"A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape."
Proverbs 19:6
"Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts."
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