Proverbs 16:22
Proverbs 16:22 in Multiple Translations
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.
Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.
If you have good sense it will be a fountain of life to you, but stupid people are punished by their stupidity.
Vnderstading is welspring of life vnto them that haue it: and the instruction of fooles is folly.
A fountain of life [is] understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
Understanding is a well-spring of life to him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it: the instruction of fools is foolishness.
Being wise is like having a fountain that gives life [MET], but foolish people are punished as a result of their acting foolishly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:22
BAB
Word Study
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Proverbs 16:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְק֣וֹר
חַ֭יִּים
שֵׂ֣כֶל
בְּעָלָ֑י/ו
וּ/מוּסַ֖ר
אֱוִלִ֣ים
אִוֶּֽלֶת
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
fountain
N-ms
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
שֵׂ֣כֶל
sekel
H7922
understanding
N-ms
בְּעָלָ֑י/ו
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp | Suff
וּ/מוּסַ֖ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
Conj | N-ms
אֱוִלִ֣ים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Adj
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:22
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
"fountain"
N-ms
Maqor means a fountain or a source of water, like a spring or a well. It can also refer to the source of happiness, wisdom, or life. This term is used to describe a source of something valuable or life-giving.
Definition: 1) spring, fountain 1a) spring 1a1) of source of life, joy, purification (fig.) 1b) of the eye (fig.) 1c) source (of menstruous blood) 1d) flow (of blood after child birth)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring). See also: Leviticus 12:7; Proverbs 16:22; Psalms 36:10.
חַ֭יִּים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
שֵׂ֣כֶל
sekel
H7922
"understanding"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means understanding or intelligence, implying success. It involves prudence and insight, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean cunning or craft.
Definition: 1) prudence, insight, understanding 1a) prudence, good sense 1b) insight, understanding 1c) cunning, craft (bad sense) Aramaic equivalent: sokh.le.ta.nu (שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ "insight" H7924)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 3:4.
בְּעָלָ֑י/ו
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp | Suff
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
וּ/מוּסַ֖ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
אֱוִלִ֣ים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
אִוֶּֽלֶת
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:22
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.
22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:14 | The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. |
| 2 | John 6:63 | The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. |
| 3 | John 5:24 | Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life. |
| 4 | Matthew 15:14 | Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:4 | The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 7 | John 6:68 | Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. |
| 8 | Proverbs 14:27 | The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. |
| 9 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 10 | Matthew 23:16–26 | Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the One who sits on it. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. |
Proverbs 16:22 Summary
[This verse tells us that having a deep understanding of God's ways is like having a fountain of life, guiding us in our decisions and actions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. On the other hand, when we try to discipline ourselves without this understanding, it can lead to foolishness. To have this kind of understanding, we need to seek wisdom from God and trust in Him, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:20. By doing so, we can make wise decisions and bring life and vitality to ourselves and those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for understanding to be a fountain of life?
This means that having a deep understanding of God's ways and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, brings life and vitality to those who possess it, guiding them in their decisions and actions.
Why is the discipline of fools considered folly?
The discipline of fools is folly because it is based on their own flawed understanding and lacks the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7, leading to foolish decisions and actions.
How can we acquire this kind of understanding?
We can acquire this kind of understanding by heeding instruction, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:20, and trusting in the Lord, as well as by seeking wisdom through prayer and the study of God's word, such as in Psalm 119:66.
What is the contrast between the wise and the foolish in this verse?
The contrast is between those who possess understanding, which brings life, and those who are disciplined in folly, which leads to foolishness and potentially harmful decisions, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom in my life?
- How can I distinguish between wise discipline and foolish discipline in my own life?
- In what ways can I use my understanding to bring life and vitality to those around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be disciplined in folly, and how can I seek wisdom to change this?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:22
Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it,.... "The master" or "owner of it" (k).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
Is a well-spring of life, is continually suggesting wholesome and saving instructions, unto him that hath it; and to others also, as is understood from the following clause. The instruction of fools is folly; their most grave and serious counsels are foolish.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
Proverbs 16:22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.Ver. 22. Understanding is a well spring of life.] Vena vitae - as the heart is the principle of life, the brain of sense, so is wisdom in the heart of all good carriage in the life, and of a timely laying hold upon eternal life; besides the benefit that other men make of it, by fetching water thence as from a common well. But the instruction of fools is folly.] When they would show most gravity they betray their folly. They act not from an inward principle, therefore they cannot quit themselves so, but that their folly at length will appear to all men that "have their senses exercised to discern between good and evil." There are that read the text, Castigalio stultorum stultitia est. It is a folly to correct or instruct a fool, for it is to no more purpose than to wash a blackmore, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
(22) The instruction of fools is folly.- While understanding is “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11) giving health and refreshment and vigour both to the possessor and his friends, the discipline given by fools is worse than useless, being folly itself. Or it may mean, “the discipline which fools have to endure is folly.” If they will not be taught by wisdom, their own folly will serve as a rod to correct them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
Verse 22. Understanding is a well-spring of life] מקור חיים mekor chaiyim; another allusion to the artery that carries the blood from the heart to distribute it to all the extremities of the body.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:22
22. unto him that hath it]. Elsewhere the thought is of the benefit conferred upon others: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life”; “The law (or teaching) of the wise is a fountain of life”; (Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 13:14). Here it is of the benefit of wisdom to its possessor: the water “in him, a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14); not the “rivers of living water” flowing from him to bless others (John 7:38). the instruction of fools is folly] Rather, the correction of fools is their folly, R.V. The A.V. has been taken to mean that all instruction bestowed upon fools, as assimilated by them, is only folly, it leaves them fools as it found them: “the only correction of their infatuation is a further increase of it” (Horton). But the parallelism is preserved and a good sense obtained by understanding correction to mean punishment: As wisdom is its own reward, so folly is its own punishment.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:22
Wellspring of life - Compare Proverbs 10:11 note. “the instruction of fools” Not that which they give, but that which they receive. Compare Proverbs 14:24. “Folly” is its own all-sufficient punishment.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:22
22. Unto him that hath — Literally, to his owner; that is, to him possessing it.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Words of Spirit and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for p |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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To Friends in the Ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by George Fox | The preacher delves into the significance of 'springs' (pege) in the Bible, highlighting how it symbolizes a source of living water, both physically and spiritually. Jesus used 'pe |
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(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about peo |
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Following Jesus: The Straight Gate by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ. He highlights that Jesus is the only way to the Father and without Him, no one can be re |
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Knowing the Heart of God by Billy Humphrey | This sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are infused with life and a prophetic edge, which can only come from intimacy with God. It contrasts empty Christian rh |
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New Birth (Rora 2003) by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a testimony of Jesus in our daily lives. He highlights the impossibility of embracing this without the constant suppl |