Proverbs 16:22

22 Insight is a fountain of life[a] for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.

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 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.
22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.
23 A wise heart instructs its mouth and increases learning with its speech.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.

Footnotes 1

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