Matthew Henry's Complete 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 (Ecclesiastes 11:9), that never consider what they have done nor what they are concerned to do, but walk at all adventures (Leviticus 26:21), right or wrong, it is all one to them—what can come of this but the greatest mischief? MHBCC 648.15