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
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
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.
Themes
Fountains and springs » Illustrative » Of spiritual wisdom
Instruction » The instruction of fools
Living waters » What is a fountain of life
Understanding » Those that understand
Understanding » What understanding is
Topics
Interlinear
Sekel
Ba`al
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 16:22
Verse Info
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].
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.
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:
John 5:24
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
Matthew 23:16-26
John 6:63
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].