Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Original Language Analysis
מְק֣וֹר
is a wellspring
H4726
מְק֣וֹר
is a wellspring
Strong's:
H4726
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, something dug, i.e., a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda);
חַ֭יִּים
of life
H2416
חַ֭יִּים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בְּעָלָ֑יו
unto him that hath
H1167
בְּעָלָ֑יו
unto him that hath
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
4 of 7
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 13:14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Proverbs 10:11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.Proverbs 18:4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.Proverbs 15:28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.Proverbs 14:27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Historical Context
Wellsprings provided continuous fresh water—essential for life in arid climates. Stagnant pools bred disease. This proverb contrasts living water (understanding) with poisonous pools (foolish instruction). Jesus offered living water (John 4:14, 7:37-38)—understanding flowing from relationship with Him. Early Christians rejected foolish philosophies for the life-giving wisdom of the gospel (Colossians 2:8).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you drinking from the wellspring of biblical understanding or poisonous pools of foolish instruction?
- What sources of teaching and wisdom are you consuming, and are they life-giving or folly-producing?
- How does Jesus as living water provide the ultimate wellspring of understanding and life?
Analysis & Commentary
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. Meqor chayyim sekhel be'alaiv (מְקוֹר חַיִּים שֵׂכֶל בְּעָלָיו, a fountain of life is understanding to its possessor). Understanding provides perpetual refreshment and vitality. Umusar evilim ivvelet (וּמוּסַר אֱוִילִים אִוֶּלֶת, but the discipline of fools is folly). Fools' instruction is inherently foolish—they can't give what they don't have. Believers have access to infinite wisdom in Christ (Colossians 2:3) and should drink from this wellspring rather than foolish instruction that only produces more folly.