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Proverbs 6:23
For the commandmentis a lamp; and the lawis light; and reproofs of instructionare the way of life:

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presenceis fulness of joy; at thy right handthere are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 139:24
And see ifthere be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

above

Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Colossians 3:1,2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God…

that

Proverbs 2:18
For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

Proverbs 5:5
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

Proverbs 7:27
Her houseis the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

that he may avoid going down to Sheol
Sheol in the Old Testament is often depicted as a shadowy place of the dead, a realm of silence and separation from God. The wise person, by following the path of life, avoids this fate. This reflects the cultural understanding of life and death in ancient Israel, where Sheol was seen as a place of no return and despair (Psalm 88:3-5). The avoidance of Sheol symbolizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life, themes that are more fully developed in the New Testament. The contrast between upward and downward paths underscores the moral choices that lead either to life or to death, echoingDeuteronomy 30:19, where God sets before His people life and death, blessings and curses. This choice is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Proverbs 15:24 begins, “The path of life…”. Scripture often speaks of life as a journey with a clearly marked way:

•Proverbs 4:18 pictures it as “the path of the righteous… shining ever brighter.”

•Psalm 16:11 promises, “You will make known to me the path of life.”

• Jesus anchors this thought inJohn 14:6—“I am the way and the truth and the life.”

In every case, the “path” is not self–chosen but revealed by God. It is a road that keeps moving forward, marked by obedience, trust, and the Word (Psalm 119:105).

The verse continues, “…leads upward….” Upward suggests a heavenly trajectory:

•Colossians 3:1–2 urges believers to “set your hearts on things above.”

•Philippians 3:14 speaks of pressing “toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling.”

•Isaiah 55:9 reminds us God’s ways are “higher than your ways.”

Living on this upward road means:

– Growing in holiness rather than settling into complacency.

– Cultivating eternal priorities over temporary desires (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The upward road is “for the wise.” Wisdom in Proverbs is always practical godliness:

•Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

•James 3:17 describes wisdom as “pure, peace-loving, considerate.”

Those who are wise:

– Listen to instruction (Proverbs 1:5).

– Welcome correction (Proverbs 9:8–9).

– Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20).

Wisdom is not intelligence but a heart aligned with God, choosing His path daily (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

The purpose clause reads, “…that he may avoid going down to Sheol.” Sheol is the real place of the dead, the realm of separation from God’s blessings:

•Proverbs 5:5 warns that the adulteress’s feet “go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol.”

•Psalm 49:14 pictures the wicked “appointed like sheep to Sheol.”

• Jesus illustrates this destiny inLuke 16:23, where the rich man is “in torment.”

By contrast, the wise avoid this descent because:

– Their sins are forgiven (Isaiah 53:5;1 Peter 3:18).

– They walk in righteousness that guards them (Proverbs 13:6).

– They have eternal life secured in Christ (John 10:28).

Proverbs 15:24 paints a vivid contrast. The wise person, grounded in reverence for the LORD, walks a divinely appointed path that climbs ever upward, aligning life with heaven’s values. This steady ascent keeps him from the deadly plunge to Sheol, affirming the promise that obedience leads to life now and forever.