Proverbs 16:25
Proverbs 16:25 in Multiple Translations
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is a way which seems straight before a man, but its end is the ways of death.
There's a way that seems to be right, but in the end it's the way of death.
There is a way that seemeth right vnto man: but the issue thereof are the wayes of death.
There is a way right before a man, And its latter end — ways of death.
There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.
There is a way that seemeth to a man right: and the ends thereof lead to death.
There are some kinds of behavior [MET] that people think are right, but ◄walking on those roads [MET]/continually doing those things► causes those people to die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֤שׁ
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
יָ֭שָׁר
לִ/פְנֵי
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
דַּרְכֵי
מָֽוֶת
יֵ֤שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
יָ֭שָׁר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Conj | N-fs | Suff
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:25
יֵ֤שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יָ֭שָׁר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:25
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward. 27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:12 | There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test? |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:26 | A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. |
| 5 | John 9:40 | Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” |
| 6 | John 7:47–49 | “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees. “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law, they are under a curse.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 28:15–19 | For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place. Your covenant with death will be dissolved, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be trampled by it. As often as it passes through, it will carry you away; it will sweep through morning after morning, by day and by night.” The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. |
| 8 | Acts 26:9 | So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. |
Proverbs 16:25 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 16:25, warns us that just because something seems right to us, it doesn't mean it's truly right. Sometimes, what we think is a good idea can actually lead to harm or trouble, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1-7 where they followed their own understanding and disobeyed God. Following God's path, as guided by His word and prayer, helps us avoid these pitfalls (Psalm 119:105). By trusting in Him and seeking His wisdom, we can find the right way, even when our own judgment is flawed.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'there is a way that seems right to a man'?
This phrase suggests that humans have a tendency to trust their own judgment and follow paths that appear correct to them, even if they ultimately lead to destruction, as seen in Proverbs 16:25 and reinforced by the warning in Deuteronomy 12:8 not to follow our own understanding.
Why does the Bible say the end of this way is 'the way of death'?
The 'way of death' refers to the ultimate consequence of following a path that is contrary to God's will, leading to spiritual separation from Him, as warned in Proverbs 14:12 and Romans 6:23, which states that 'the wages of sin is death'.
How can we discern the right path when our own understanding may be flawed?
We are encouraged to seek wisdom from God through prayer and the study of His word, as advised in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'.
Is this verse saying that all human judgment is wrong?
No, it's emphasizing that without God's guidance, our own judgment can lead us astray, highlighting the importance of seeking divine wisdom, as Psalm 119:105 reminds us, 'Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path'.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a time when you followed a path that seemed right to you but led to negative consequences; what did you learn from the experience?
- How can you apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6, to your current life decisions?
- In what ways can you trust in the Lord with all your heart, as advised in Proverbs 3:5, in the face of uncertainty or difficult choices?
- Consider how the concept of 'the way of death' in Proverbs 16:25 relates to the broader biblical theme of sin and redemption; what hope does this offer?
- How does the promise in Psalm 32:8, that God will instruct and teach us in the way we should go, encourage you to seek His guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof (are) the ways of death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
This whole verse was delivered before, , and is here repeated, partly for its great importance and usefulness to prevent that self-deceit which is so common and dangerous; and partly to keep men from leaning too much to their own understanding, and to oblige them to seek and receive the good counsels of wise and holy men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.Ver. 25. There is a way that seemeth right to a man.] This we had before, totidem verbis, in Proverbs 14:12; And think not this a vain repetition; but know that it is thus redoubled, that it may be the better remarked and remembered. Nothing is more ordinary or more dangerous than self-delusion. To deceive another is naught, but to deceive thyself - which yet most men do - is much worse; as to belie one’ s self, kill one’ s self, &c., is counted most abominable. To warn us therefore of this greatest wickedness, it is that this sentence is reiterated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
Verse 25. There is a way that seemeth right] This whole verse is precisely the same as that Proverbs 14:12.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:25
25. See Proverbs 14:12, where the same proverb occurs.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:25
25. Way that seemeth right — Literally, There is a way straight before a man; but the ways of death are the end of it. It is as if the way branched out into many ways, each one leading to death. This is a repetition of Pro 14:12.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Discipline of Disappointment - 20 by Jack Hibbs | Jack Hibbs delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Discipline of Disappointment,' emphasizing that disappointment is an inevitable part of life that can be managed through faith in God. |
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The Way That Seemeth Right - Prov 14+16_25 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of God's grace in understanding our struggles with sin and the human tendency to rely on willpower instead of Jesus' power. He explores P |
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All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He |
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The Way of the Disciple by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden preaches about the two ways presented to us: the broad way of man leading to death and the narrow way of God leading to life, with Christ as the Way, the Truth, and th |
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As for Self-Will by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of surrendering our own will to God, as instructed by Scripture and through prayer, seeking for God's will to be done in us. He war |
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There Is a Way Which Seemeth Right Unto a Man ..... by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes that human judgment is often flawed and can lead to disastrous outcomes, as illustrated by the example of a pilot who, deprived of oxygen, misjudged hi |
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Letter 146. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of being made aware of our sinful nature and the need for a revelation of Jesus Christ for salvation. He contrasts leaning on our own underst |