Proverbs 16:22

Proverbs 16:22 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.
• New Living Translation (NLT)Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.

Context of Proverbs 16:22

20Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. 21The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. 23The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. 24Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:22 word by word

מְק֣וֹר חַ֭יִּים שֵׂ֣כֶל בְּעָלָ֑יו וּמוּסַ֖ר אֱוִלִ֣ים אִוֶּֽלֶת׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Understandingשֵׂ֫כֶלώekel ώêkel · understandingH7922
• a wellspringמָקוֹרmâqôr mâqôr · fountainH4726
• of lifeחַיִּיםchay · lifeH2416
• unto him that hathבַּעַלba‛al · master: owningH1167
• it: but the instructionמוּסָרmûsâr · disciplineH4148
• of foolsאֱוִיל'ĕvîyl · fool(ish)H191
• follyאִוֶּ֫לֶת'ivveleth · follyH200

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:22

• Proverbs 10:11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
• Proverbs 13:14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
• Proverbs 14:27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
• Proverbs 18:4The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
• John 5:24“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
• John 6:63The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
• Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
• Matthew 15:14Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
• Matthew 23:16“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’
• Luke 6:39He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:22

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 22Understanding is a well-spring of life - חיים מקור mekor chaiyim ; another allusion to the artery that carries the blood from the heart to distribute it to all the extremities of the body.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 22Wellspring 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.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 22Verse 22 As waters to a thirsty land, so is a wise man to his friends and neighbours.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2222. Understanding--or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pr 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:22

• Speaking
• Wisdom

In the dictionaries

• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Fool; Folly
• Gold
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings