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.
• New International Version (NIV)Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.
• 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.

Context of Proverbs 16:22

20Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. 21The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. 23From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. 24Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

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 words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
• Proverbs 13:14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
• Proverbs 14:27Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
• Proverbs 18:4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
• John 5:24“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
• John 6:63The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
• Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
• Matthew 15:14so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”
• Matthew 23:16“Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’
• Luke 6:39Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch?

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