Proverbs 13:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

NIV: The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

NASB: The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.

CSB: A wise person’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.

NLT: The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

KJV: The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

NKJV: The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

In this verse, we learn the crucial importance of heeding wise teaching. This is a primary theme of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 10:17; 13:6). Closely related is the fact that ignoring godly wisdom leads to both earthly and eternal consequences (Proverbs 9:7–12; 11:7; 13:15).

A fountain offers refreshment and sustains life. When Jesus spoke with a woman at Jacob's well, He told her that whoever drank from Jacob's well would thirst again, but whoever drank the water He offered would never thirst. He added that it would be a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13–14). Jesus emphasized the benefit of responding appropriately to His teaching. John wrote, "For he whom God has sent utters the words of God…Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (John 3:34, 36).

The word "snares" here alludes to traps which spring shut when unsuspecting animals enter them. Jesus offers salvation that keeps those who believe on Him safe from the eternal death that suddenly comes upon unbelievers (Proverbs 29:1; Revelation 20:11–15).

This chapter of Proverbs continues Solomon's wise sayings. He counsels his readers to be sensible and hardworking, as well as honest. This allows a person to be content with what they have, to enjoy life, and to bless their descendants. Laziness leads to trouble and ruin, as does a lack of discipline.

Starting in chapter 10, the book of Proverbs records a long series of wise sayings from Solomon. These continue for several chapters. Through chapter 15, a major focus is on issues such as godly living, mostly given in contrast with examples of ungodliness. This chapter emphasizes themes such as work ethic, honesty, and discipline.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.