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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 16:17–23

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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7 selected · 3 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

35 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 17

  1. Isaiah 35:8Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

    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.

  2. Proverbs 10:9Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

    9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

  3. Proverbs 19:16Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

    16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

  4. Jude 1:21Rank 4 from verse 17
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    21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

  5. Proverbs 4:24–27Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

    24Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

    25Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

    26Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

    27Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

From verse 18

  1. Proverbs 11:2Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

    2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

  2. Isaiah 2:11–12Rank 2 from verse 18
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    11The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

    12For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

  3. Proverbs 18:12Rank 3 from verse 18
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    12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

  4. Obadiah 1:3–4Rank 4 from verse 18
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    3¶ The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

    4Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.

  5. Proverbs 29:23Rank 5 from verse 18
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    23A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

From verse 19

  1. Matthew 5:3Rank 1 from verse 19
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    3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  2. Isaiah 57:15Rank 2 from verse 19
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    15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

  3. Psalms 138:6Rank 3 from verse 19
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    6Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

  4. Exodus 15:9Rank 4 from verse 19
    Open

    9The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

  5. Psalms 34:18Rank 5 from verse 19
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    18The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

From verse 20

  1. Jeremiah 17:7–8Rank 1 from verse 20
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    7Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

    8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

  2. Psalms 2:12Rank 2 from verse 20
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    12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

  3. Isaiah 26:3–4Rank 3 from verse 20
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    3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    4Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

  4. Isaiah 30:18Rank 4 from verse 20
    Open

    18¶ And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

  5. Psalms 34:8Rank 5 from verse 20
    Open

    8O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

From verse 21

  1. Proverbs 16:23–24Rank 1 from verse 21
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    23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

    24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  2. Isaiah 50:4Rank 2 from verse 21
    Open

    4The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

  3. Proverbs 15:7Rank 3 from verse 21
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    7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

  4. Proverbs 27:9Rank 4 from verse 21
    Open

    9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

  5. James 3:17Rank 5 from verse 21
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    17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

From verse 22

  1. Proverbs 13:14Rank 1 from verse 22
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    14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

  2. John 5:24Rank 2 from verse 22
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    24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

  3. John 6:63Rank 3 from verse 22
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    63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

  4. Matthew 15:14Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

  5. Proverbs 10:11Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

From verse 23

  1. Proverbs 15:28Rank 1 from verse 23
    Open

    28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

  2. Matthew 12:34–35Rank 2 from verse 23
    Open

    34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

    35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

  3. Colossians 3:16Rank 3 from verse 23
    Open

    16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  4. Proverbs 22:17–18Rank 4 from verse 23
    Open

    17Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

    18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

  5. Psalms 37:30–31Rank 5 from verse 23
    Open

    30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

    31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:17

COMBINED MEANING

upright

↗

1. Honest, just, or morally right; also a person so characterized. 2. Straight, erect, or standing up.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

depart

↗

1. To leave, go away, or move from a place or person. 2. To cease to remain, be removed, disappear, or pass away. 3. To turn or separate from a way, practice, allegiance, or relationship. 4. To leave earthly life or this world.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

soul

↗

Sense 1: A living person or creature; a life or self. Sense 2: The inward self distinguished from the body. Sense 3: The seat of desire or appetite.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:18

COMBINED MEANING

pride

↗

1. Self-exaltation, arrogance, haughtiness, or vaunted strength. 2. Splendour, glory, or that in which one glories.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

destruction

↗

The act, result, or state of destroying: ruin, overthrow, death, wasting, or that which brings ruin.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fall

↗

Sense 1: To descend, drop, or lose an upright position. Sense 2: To be slain, defeated, overthrown, ruined, or brought down. Sense 3: To come upon or attack. Sense 4: To pass into a specified place, condition, power, or course, or to depart from a former standing. Sense 5: To happen, turn out, or be allotted. Sense 6: As a noun, descent, overthrow, ruin, or loss of standing.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:19

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

humble

↗

Sense 1: Lowly in mind or condition; free from pride. Sense 2: To abase or bring low.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

spirit

↗

Sense 1: An immaterial living or personal being distinct from a body. Sense 2: The inward life, disposition, mind, or courage of a person. Sense 3: The Holy Spirit, the divine Spirit of God.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lowly

↗

Having a low esteem of one’s own worth; humble; meek; free from pride.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

divide

↗

1. To apportion, distribute, share, or allot. 2. To separate or distinguish into parts, sides, groups, or portions.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

spoil

↗

Sense 1: Goods or captives taken from an enemy. Sense 2: As a verb, to plunder, rob, strip, ruin, or deprive of what is possessed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:20

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

find

↗

To discover, meet with, obtain, perceive, or learn by search or experience.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:21

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

called

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of call. Sense 1: To name. Sense 2: To summon or invite. Sense 3: To proclaim or address. Sense 4: To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

prudent

↗

Wise, discerning, thoughtful, circumspect, and careful in judgment or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

learning

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of learn, meaning to gain knowledge, receive instruction, or come to know.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:22

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

instruction

↗

Teaching or information that directs understanding and conduct; correction, discipline, or an instructive warning.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

fools

↗

Persons lacking wisdom or sound judgment, especially in moral or spiritual conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 16:23

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

learning

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of learn, meaning to gain knowledge, receive instruction, or come to know.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

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16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

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18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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19Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

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20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

Selected passage

21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

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22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

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23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

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24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

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