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Proverbs 16:17

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

The path of good people is to turn away from evil: whoever stays on the right path protects their life.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is saying that living righteously means actively avoiding evil, and doing so protects your soul from harm.

📚 Historical Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon and written during the time of the united kingdom of Israel around 900 BC, when such teachings were used to guide people in moral and practical living. It draws from ancient Near Eastern traditions to offer sayings that promote righteous behavior and warn against folly. In this verse, the "highway of the upright" symbolizes the straightforward path of those who actively avoid evil, reflecting the cultural emphasis on wisdom as a means to preserve one's life and community.

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