Proverbs 16:22

Being wise is like having a fountain that gives life [MET], but foolish people are punished as a result of their acting foolishly.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

In Context

21People say that those who are wise learn what is right/good behavior, and those who talk pleasantly are able to influence others to do what is right.

23Those who are wise think carefully before they talk, and as a result they are able to influence/persuade others to do what is right.

Read all of Proverbs 16

Cross References

Proverbs 10:11What righteous people say [MTY] is like a fountain that ◄gives life/enables people to live many years► [MET], but what wicked people say [MTY] hides the fact that they intend to act violently.

Proverbs 14:27Having an awesome respect for Yahweh is like [MET] having a fountain that gives life; it will help you to escape when something dangerous is threatening to kill you [MET].

Proverbs 15:28Righteous/Good people think carefully before they answer what others ask them; wicked people very quickly say what is evil.

Proverbs 18:7What foolish people [MTY] say causes them to be ruined; their own words are like a trap [MET] that catches/seizes them.

Matthew 23:16“You Jewish leaders, your punishment will be terrible! You are like people who are blind [MET] who are trying to lead others. You say, ‘ In the case of those who promise to do something and then ask the Temple to affirm what they have promised, it means nothing if they do not do what they have promised. But if they ask the gold that is in the Temple to affirm what they have promised, they must do what they promised.’

John 5:24Listen to this carefully: Those who hear my message and believe that God is the one who sent me have eternal life. God will not ◄condemn them/say that he will punish them►. They are no longer separated from God. Instead, they have eternal life.

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 16:22

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Note, 1. Those that have solid wisdom will have the credit of it; it will gain them reputation, and they shall be called prudent grave men, and a deference will be paid to their judgment. Do that which is wise and good and thou shalt have the praise of the same. 2. Those that with their wisdom have a happy elocution, that deliver their sentiments easily and with a good grace, are communicative of their wisdom and have… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Proverbs 16:22