What does Proverbs 15:24 mean?

Those who embrace God's salvation are traveling an upward path. This uses a metaphor common in the Old Testament (Psalm 16:11; 25:10; Proverbs 4:18; 15:21). Solomon refers to this path as "the path of life." All who trust in Jesus as Savior are on this path (Matthew 7:13–14; John 14:6). Solomon also adds that wise persons (Proverbs 1:7) are turning away from Sheol. This term refers to the realm of the dead.

Paul is an example of someone who turned away from Sheol and began walking on the path of life. While he was on his way to Damascus, he met the risen Savior, who commissioned him to carry the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1–19). In Galatians 1:11–16, Paul writes about his conversion, and he credits Jesus Christ with turning his life around and giving him the assignment to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. In Romans 1:16 he describes the gospel as "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Whoever receives the gospel and believes on Jesus Christ passes from death unto life. He escapes the sentence of eternal punishment and is bound for heaven. Romans 8:1 states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."