Proverbs 16:22

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.

Proverbs 16:22 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
New Living Translation (NLT)
22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
The Message Bible (MSG)
22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way.
American Standard Version (ASV)
22 Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
22 Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but folly is the instruction of fools.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
22 Understanding is like a fountain of life to those who have it. But foolish people are punished for the foolish things they do.

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 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 13:14
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