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

Wesley's Notes

19:16 His ways - The commands of God.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. (Compare Pr 10:17; 13:13).

despiseth . ways-opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:14. A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches. 15. A sluggish, slothful disposition makes men poor; it brings them to want. And this applies both to the present life and that which is to come. 16. If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner. 17. God has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom. 18. When parents keep under foolish tenderness, they do their best to render children a comfort to them, and happy in themselves.

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Verse 16

Here is, 1. The happiness of those that walk circumspectly. Those that make conscience of keeping the commandment in every thing, that live by rule, as becomes servants and patients, keep their own souls; they secure their present peace and future bliss, and provide every way well for themselves. If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. 2. The misery of those that live at large and never mind what they do: Those that despair their ways shall die, shall perish eternally; they are in the high road to ruin. With respect to those that are careless about the end of their ways, and never consider whither they are going, and about the rule of their ways, that will walk in the way of their hearts and after the course of the world (Eccl. 11:9), that never consider what they have done nor what they are concerned to do, but walk at all adventures (Lev. 26:21), right or wrong, it is all one to them-what can come of this but the greatest mischief?