Proverbs 19:16

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about obeying God’s commands:

Proverbs 19:16 (NASBStr)

He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,

But he who is careless of conduct will die.

Proverbs 19:16 (ESV)

Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;

he who despises his ways will die.

Solomon is consistent throughout Proverbs with this theme, as is the rest of Scripture.  In Deuteronomy (the second giving of the Law) God warns the nation of their death and demise, if they forsake the Law, while promising health and blessing if they obey it.   The Law, the "commandment" above, is the sole source of life.  In Psalm 119 we see in each line God's Word mentioned as a source of life to the soul.   Yet, again, those who reject God's Word and are careless in regard to their conduct with it, will die.   In all facets of life this truth is born out.   Ignore truth and suffer the consequences.   God's Word is Truth and that means when we obey it we can experience the blessing that life brings.   When we are careless in life we will, indeed, suffer for it.   This is such a simply truth to hear and to know, but it is impossible to obey ... save through the grace of God in Christ Jesus.   He enables us to "keep" the commandment but keeping it for us.   We can't keep the commandment and attain to life save through the gospel of Christ.  He fulfills the commandment for us and we benefit in life or it.   We need to praise God and thank Him for making the truth, that is something simply to know, practical to attain through Him.