Proverbs 16:22

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it, but folly is the chastisement 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 He who gives heed to the word will prosper, and happy is he who trusts in the LORD.
21 The wise of heart is called a man of discernment, and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it, but folly is the chastisement of fools.
23 The mind of the wise makes his speech judicious, and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.