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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_16_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:22 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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But the correction of fools <i>is</i> folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, But the discipline of fools is foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of ignorant fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction <i>and</i> correction to fools is foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Good sense is a fountain that gives life, but fools are punished by their foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the correction of fools is their folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Anyone who has understanding is a fountain of life, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Understanding is a well-spring of life to him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Understanding [is] a fountain of life to its possessors, "" The instruction of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A fountain of life is understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The understanding of him possessing it is a fountain of life: and the instruction of the foolish is folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it: the instruction of fools is foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Learning is a fountain of life to one who possesses it. The doctrine of the foolish is senseless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Good sense is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly is the training of fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it, but folly is the punishment of fools.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Understanding is a spring of life to those who have it; but the instruction of the fools is folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to those that know it and the instruction of fools is madness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; But folly is the chastisement of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3208" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7922.htm" title="7922: śê·ḵel (N-msc) -- Prudence, insight. Or sekel; from sakal; intelligence; by implication, success.">Understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/4726.htm" title="4726: mə·qō·wr (N-msc) -- A spring, fountain. ">is a fountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (N-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of life</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: bə·‘ā·lāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">to its possessor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: ū·mū·sar (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">but the discipline</a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: ’ĕ·wi·lîm (N-mp) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">of fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: ’iw·we·leṯ (N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">is folly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a></span><br />The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a></span><br />The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Proverbs 15:14</a></span><br />A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-23.htm">Proverbs 23:23</a></span><br />Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.</p><p class="hdg">a wellspring</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a></b></br> The mouth of a righteous <i>man is</i> a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Proverbs 13:14</a></b></br> The law of the wise <i>is</i> a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Proverbs 14:27</a></b></br> The fear of the LORD <i>is</i> a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.</p><p class="hdg">the instructions</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2,28</a></b></br> The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></b></br> Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-26</a></b></br> Woe unto you, <i>ye</i> blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Fountain</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Possessors</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-5.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Wellspring</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Well-Spring</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-15.htm">Correction</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Fountain</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Possessors</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Wellspring</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Well-Spring</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor</b><br>Understanding, in the biblical context, often refers to wisdom that comes from God. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual insight that guides one's actions and decisions. The imagery of a "fountain of life" suggests a source of continual refreshment and sustenance, much like the living water Jesus speaks of in <a href="/john/4-14.htm">John 4:14</a>. This metaphor indicates that true understanding brings vitality and renewal to the soul, offering guidance and protection. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, water was a precious resource, symbolizing life and prosperity. Thus, possessing understanding is akin to having access to an endless supply of life-giving water, which sustains and enriches one's life.<p><b>but the discipline of fools is folly</b><br>The term "discipline" here can be understood as correction or instruction. However, when applied to fools—those who reject wisdom and understanding—it becomes ineffective and even counterproductive. In Proverbs, a fool is someone who despises wisdom and instruction (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The phrase suggests that attempts to correct or instruct a fool are futile because they lack the foundational understanding necessary to benefit from such discipline. This is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a>, where a fool is compared to a dog returning to its vomit, indicating a repetitive cycle of folly. The contrast between the life-giving understanding and the fruitless discipline of fools highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and aligning oneself with God's truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_and_the_foolish.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></b><br>These are archetypal characters in Proverbs. The wise person seeks understanding and lives according to God's principles, while the foolish person rejects wisdom and suffers the consequences.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_understanding.htm">The Value of Understanding</a></b><br>Understanding is depicted as a "fountain of life," suggesting it is a continuous source of vitality and renewal. In our lives, seeking understanding through God's Word and prayer can lead to spiritual growth and resilience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_folly.htm">The Consequences of Folly</a></b><br>The "discipline of fools is folly" indicates that without wisdom, even attempts at correction or discipline are futile. This teaches us the importance of grounding our actions and decisions in godly wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_godly_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to pursue wisdom actively. This involves studying Scripture, seeking counsel from mature Christians, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_a_fountain_of_life.htm">Living as a Fountain of Life</a></b><br>When we possess understanding, we can become a source of encouragement and guidance to others, reflecting God's love and wisdom in our communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_your_knowledge_well.htm">What does the Bible say about work-life balance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_aid_life's_challenges.htm">How can I gain wisdom and understanding from God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_indoctrination.htm">What does the Bible say about indoctrinating children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">The instruction of fools is folly.- </span>While understanding is "a fountain of life" (<a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm" title="The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.">Proverbs 10:11</a>) giving health and refreshment and vigour both to the possessor and his friends, the discipline given by fools is worse than useless, being folly itself. Or it may mean, "the discipline which fools have to endure is folly." If they will not be taught by wisdom, their own folly will serve as a rod to correct them.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Understanding is a well spring of life unto him that hath it</span> (<a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a>; <a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Proverbs 13:14</a>). The possessor of understanding has in himself a source of comfort and a vivifying power, which is as refreshing as a cool spring to a thirsty traveller. In all troubles and difficulties he can fall back upon his own good sense and prudence, and satisfy himself therewith. This is not conceit, but the result of a well grounded experience. <span class="cmt_word">But the instruction of fools is folly;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the instruction which fools give is folly and sin; such is the only teaching which they can offer. So the Vulgate, <span class="accented">doctrina stultorum fatuitas</span>; and many modern commentators. But <span class="accented">musar</span> is better taken in the sense of "discipline" or "chastisement" (as in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>; <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Proverbs 7:22</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Proverbs 15:5</a>), which the bad man suffers. His own folly is the scourge which punishes him; refusing the teaching of wisdom, he makes misery for himself, deprives himself of the happiness which virtue gives, and pierces himself through with many sorrows. Septuagint, "The instruction of tools is evil." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׂ֣כֶל</span> <span class="translit">(śê·ḵel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7922.htm">Strong's 7922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, success</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a fountain</span><br /><span class="heb">מְק֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(mə·qō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4726.htm">Strong's 4726: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something dug, a, source, of happiness, wisdom, progeny)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of life</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֭יִּים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to its possessor,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעָלָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the discipline</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמוּסַ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mū·sar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fools</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱוִלִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·wi·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is folly.</span><br /><span class="heb">אִוֶּֽלֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-22.htm">Proverbs 16:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>