The Highway of the Upright - Proverbs 16:17

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”, and in chapter sixteen and verse seventeen of Proverbs Solomon said, “the highway of the upright is to depart from evil” where we read,

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

The verse begins, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil:” Solomon began with the words, “the highway of the upright” or “the thoroughfare, course and path belonging to people who are straight, correct, right and pleasing” “is to depart from evil” which means “exists as leaving, separating and turning away from bad, malignancy, displeasure and wickedness”. Solomon shared how the course of people who are straight, correct and right exists to leave and separate from wickedness and malignancy.

The verse goes on to say, “he that keeps his way preserves his soul.” Solomon continued with the words, “he that keeps his way or “the person whether male or female who watches over, guards, observes, gives heed to and protects their traveled road, journey, manner and habit” “preserves his soul” which means “guards over, observes and gives heed to the persons', heart, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections”. Solomon said a person who watches over and guards their journey and path protects their own heart, mind and will.

When we meditate upon Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how the pathway of the person who is correct and right separates themselves from wickedness and malignancy, and the person who watches over their manners and habits guards over and protects their own heart, mind and will. God wants us to live according to His right and just ways, and because He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins, we may be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and be inspired to “depart from evil” and “keep” our “way” when we believe and trust in Him.

Next time Solomon says, “pride goes before destruction”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".