Parallel Verses

Amplified


Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,
But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.

New American Standard Bible

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
But the discipline of fools is folly.

King James Version

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

Holman Bible

Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.

International Standard Version

Anyone who has understanding is a fountain of life, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.

A Conservative Version

Understanding is a well-spring of life to him who has it, but the correction of fools is folly.

American Standard Version

Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.

Bible in Basic English

Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it; but the punishment of the foolish is their foolish behaviour.

Darby Translation

Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

Julia Smith Translation

The understanding of him possessing it is a fountain of life: and the instruction of the foolish is folly.

King James 2000

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

Lexham Expanded Bible

A fountain of life is wisdom for its owner, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Modern King James verseion

Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

Understanding is a well of life unto him that hath it; as for the chastening of fools, it is but foolishness.

NET Bible

Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.

New Heart English Bible

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

The Emphasized Bible

A well-spring of life, is discretion to its owner, but, the correction of the foolish, is folly.

Webster

Understanding is a well-spring of life to him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

World English Bible

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

Youngs Literal Translation

A fountain of life is understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
שׂכל שׂכל 
Sekel 
Usage: 16

is a wellspring
מקר מקור 
Maqowr 
Usage: 18

of life
חי 
Chay 
Usage: 502

it but the instruction
מוּסר 
Muwcar 
Usage: 50

of fools
אויל 
'eviyl 
Usage: 26

Context Readings

Proverbs Of Solomon

21
The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].
22 
Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,
But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.
23
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom]
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.



Cross References

Proverbs 10:11


The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil.

Proverbs 13:14


The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life,
So that one may avoid the snares of death.

Luke 6:39-40

He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man guide [another] blind man? Will they not both fall into a hole in the ground?

John 5:24

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.

Proverbs 14:27


The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life,
So that one may avoid the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:2


The tongue of the wise speaks knowledge that is pleasing and acceptable,
But the [babbling] mouth of fools spouts folly.

Proverbs 15:28


The heart of the righteous thinks carefully about how to answer [in a wise and appropriate and timely way],
But the [babbling] mouth of the wicked pours out malevolent things.

Proverbs 18:4


The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

Matthew 15:14

Leave them alone; they are blind guides [leading blind followers]. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 23:16-26

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears [an oath] by the sanctuary of the temple, that is nothing (non-binding); but whoever swears [an oath] by the gold of the temple is obligated [as a debtor to fulfill his vow and keep his promise].’

John 6:63

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh conveys no benefit [it is of no account]. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life [providing eternal life].

John 6:68

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope].

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain