What does Proverbs 21:16 mean?
Scripture often compares a person's lifestyle and choices to a "path," or a "way." There is considerable overlap between common sense and God's eternal truths (Proverbs 1:7). The more one seeks truth (Proverbs 18:15), the more closely one follows God's will (Proverbs 8:13; 10:14).The consequences threatened in this proverb can be earthly, eternal, or both. Some choose to live for pleasure, fame, or fortune, but destruction lies at the end of such a life. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13–14). Although God's way may present various trials, it is always the right way. All other ways may seem appealing, but they lead to eternal death (Proverbs 12:28; 14:12).