Proverbs 21:16

ESV One who wanders from the way of good sense will rest in the assembly of the dead.

NIV Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.

NASB A person who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

CSB The person who strays from the way of prudence will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.

NLT The person who strays from common sense will end up in the company of the dead.

KJV The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

NKJV A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.

What does Proverbs 21:16 mean?

Scripture often compares a person's lifestyle and choices to a "path," or a "way." There is considerable overlap between common sense and God's eternal truths (Proverbs 1:7). The more one seeks truth (Proverbs 18:15), the more closely one follows God's will (Proverbs 8:13; 10:14).

The consequences threatened in this proverb can be earthly, eternal, or both. Some choose to live for pleasure, fame, or fortune, but destruction lies at the end of such a life. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13–14). Although God's way may present various trials, it is always the right way. All other ways may seem appealing, but they lead to eternal death (Proverbs 12:28; 14:12).

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