Proverbs 16:22

The well of life is the learning of him that wieldeth (it); the teaching of fools is folly.

Wycliffe Modern Spelling

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

21He that is wise in heart, shall be called prudent; and he that is sweet in speech, shall find greater things. (He who is wise in heart, shall be called prudent; and he who useth sweet, or pleasant, speech, shall increase his knowledge or shall help others to learn.)

23The heart of a wise man shall teach his mouth; and shall increase grace to his lips. (The heart of a wise person shall teach his mouth; and his lips shall bring an increase of favour.)

Read all of Proverbs 16

Cross References

Proverbs 10:11The vein of life is the mouth of a just man; but the mouth of wicked men covereth wickedness. (The words of the righteous be a fountain of life; but wickedness covereth the mouths of the wicked.)

Proverbs 14:27The dread of the Lord is a well of life; that it bow away from the falling of death. (The fear of the Lord or Reverence for the Lord is a well of life; yea, so that thou turn away from deadly traps, or snares.)

Proverbs 15:28The soul of a just man bethinketh obedience; the mouth of wicked men is full of evils. (The righteous think before that they answer; but the ready reply of the wicked is usually full of evil.)

Proverbs 18:7The mouth of a fool is [the] defouling of him; and his lips be the falling of his soul.

Matthew 23:16Woe to you, blind leaders, that say, Whoever sweareth by the temple of God, it is nothing; but he that sweareth in the gold of the temple (or but he who sweareth by the gold of the Temple), is (a) debtor [or oweth].

John 5:24Truly, truly, I say to you, (or Truly, I tell you the truth), that he that heareth my word, and believeth in him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and he cometh not into doom, (or hath eternal life, and he cometh not unto judgement), but passeth from death into 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