Proverbs 16:22

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.

Proverbs 16:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:22

Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath
it
"The master" or "owner of it" F11. As he only is to whom an understanding is given; for, whatever understanding men may have of natural and civil things, they have none of things spiritual and divine, unless it be given them by Christ. This is no other than the grace of the Spirit of God, who is a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ; and this is a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life, and it issues in it; with the knowledge of Christ, and God in Christ, eternal life is connected, ( John 4:14 ) ( 17:3 ) ; and as this knowledge and understanding of things is communicated by wise and knowing men, they are the means and instruments of the spiritual life of those to whom they minister, and are made useful; but the instruction of fools [is] folly;
the best instruction they are capable of giving is downright folly, and issues in death.


FOOTNOTES:

F11 (wyleb) "domini sui", Pagninus; "domino suo", Mercerus, Gejerus; "dominorum suorum", Michaelis.

Proverbs 16:22 In-Context

20 He who gives attention to the law of right will get good; and whoever puts his faith in the Lord is happy.
21 The wise-hearted will be named men of good sense: and by pleasing words learning is increased.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.
23 The heart of the wise man is the teacher of his mouth, and gives increased learning to his lips.
24 Pleasing words are like honey, sweet to the soul and new life to the bones.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.