Which New Testament teachings align with Proverbs 19:16's message on obedience? Proverbs 19:16—Setting the Stage “He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.” Jesus Echoes the Same Call • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 — “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” • Matthew 7:24–27 — The wise builder survives the storm because he “hears these words of Mine and acts on them.” • Matthew 19:17 — “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” • Luke 11:28 — “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Apostolic Reinforcement • James 1:22–25 — Be “doers of the word,” and you’ll be “blessed in what you do.” • James 2:17 — “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” • 1 John 2:3–6 — “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments.” • 1 John 3:24 — “The one who keeps His commandments lives in Him.” • 1 John 5:3 — “His commandments are not burdensome.” • Hebrews 2:1–3 — Neglecting the gospel brings sure judgment, mirroring the “death” of careless living. • Hebrews 12:25 — “Do not refuse Him who speaks.” • Romans 6:23 — “The wages of sin is death,” matching Proverbs’ warning. • Revelation 14:12 — “Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” • Revelation 22:14 — “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life.” Life-Preserving Obedience vs. Life-Destroying Carelessness • NT writers tie obedience directly to abiding in Christ, experiencing His love, and inheriting eternal life. • Disobedience is pictured as drifting away, dead faith, loss, judgment, and ultimately death—exactly what Proverbs warns. Practical Steps for Today • Keep a posture of listening: daily Scripture intake keeps the commands in view (Colossians 3:16). • Act promptly on what you learn—obedience strengthens assurance and joy (John 15:11). • Invite accountability; fellowship helps guard against “careless” living (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Rely on the Spirit; He enables the very obedience He commands (Galatians 5:16). The thread is seamless: Old and New Testaments together declare that guarding God’s commands safeguards the soul, while neglect invites ruin. |
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