Proverbs 13:14 kjv

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

Proverbs 13:14 nkjv

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

Proverbs 13:14 niv

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

Proverbs 13:14 esv

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

Proverbs 13:14 nlt

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

Proverbs 13 verses

Proverbs 13 14 Meaning

The instruction derived from a truly wise individual, whose wisdom originates from God's truth, functions as an active, overflowing source of comprehensive well-being and abundant life. The primary purpose and outcome of adhering to this wisdom are to guide individuals away from hidden pitfalls and deceptive dangers that lead to spiritual and ultimate destruction.

Proverbs 13 14 Context

Proverbs chapter 13, like much of the book, is part of a larger collection of individual maxims and wisdom sayings that contrast the paths, characteristics, and outcomes of the wise and the foolish. The chapter consistently juxtaposes these two ways, emphasizing the positive results of righteousness, diligence, and heedfulness, and the negative consequences of wickedness, laziness, and foolishness. Verse 14 falls within a sequence that highlights the benefits of valuing wisdom and sound instruction, leading to life and avoiding disaster. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, wisdom was often portrayed as emanating from God and being taught through parental and communal instruction, serving as a practical guide for daily living that aimed for wholeness and success within a covenantal relationship with God. This verse therefore fits perfectly into the framework of teaching the importance of adherence to wise counsel rooted in divine principles.

Proverbs 13 14 Word analysis

• The law (Hebrew: Torah, תּוֹרָה): In this context, Torah means "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance," not necessarily limited to the Mosaic Law code. It refers to the comprehensive body of truth, insight, and counsel that comes from or pertains to the wise. This instruction serves as a foundational principle for right living.
• of the wise (Hebrew: chakham, חָכָם): This term signifies someone who is skilled in life, having understanding, discernment, and knowledge that is often rooted in reverence for God. A "wise" person in Proverbs is not just intellectually sharp, but someone whose character and actions align with divine principles, making their counsel reliable and life-giving.
• is a fountain (Hebrew: maqor, מָקוֹר): Literally a "source," "wellspring," or "spring of water." This imagery denotes something abundant, fresh, continuously flowing, and vital. It implies that the instruction of the wise is an active, sustaining, and regenerating source of nourishment.
• of life (Hebrew: chayyim, חַיִּים): Encompasses much more than mere physical existence. It refers to wholeness, vitality, well-being, prosperity, flourishing in every dimension (spiritual, social, emotional, physical). It stands in stark contrast to death and implies a fulfilling existence marked by divine favor and protection.
• to turn one away (Hebrew: lasur, לָסוּר): This is a infinitive indicating purpose. It means "to depart," "to remove oneself," or "to turn aside." It conveys the active and protective function of wisdom's instruction – it acts as a guiding force that diverts individuals from destructive paths.
• from the snares (Hebrew: mimmoqshey, מִמּוֹקְשֵׁי): Literally "from traps," "lures," or "nets." These are devices designed to ensnare, trip up, or capture unexpectedly. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to dangers, temptations, and pitfalls that lead to ruin. They are often subtle and deceptive.
• of death (Hebrew: mawet, מָוֶת): Represents not only physical demise but also spiritual separation, ruin, destruction, and eternal peril. It is the ultimate consequence of choosing folly and stands as the antithesis of chayyim (life).

Words-group analysis:

• "The law of the wise is a fountain of life": This phrase asserts that sound, God-centered instruction from a wise person is an ongoing, life-sustaining resource. It highlights the generative power of wisdom – it doesn't just impart knowledge, but it actively produces and nourishes life.
• "to turn one away from the snares of death": This second part of the verse functions as a purpose clause, revealing the direct salvific outcome and protective nature of the wise instruction. It illustrates wisdom's active role in safeguarding an individual by directing them away from concealed perils that inevitably lead to spiritual and ultimate ruin.

Proverbs 13 14 Bonus section

• The imagery of a "fountain of life" connects to a broader biblical theme where God Himself is depicted as the ultimate source of living waters (Jer 2:13), implying that the "law of the wise" is effective precisely because it derives from or aligns with God's divine wisdom.
• The contrasting imagery of "life" and "death" throughout Proverbs is not always literal death, but often refers to the comprehensive outcomes of righteousness (flourishing, peace, safety) versus wickedness (destruction, distress, ruin).
• This verse contains an implicit polemic against self-reliance or adherence to worldly "wisdom," which, unlike the "law of the wise" (rooted in God's fear), leads ultimately to spiritual entrapment and demise, rather than freedom and life.
• The emphasis on "turning away" (Hebrew: lasur) highlights the proactive and preventative nature of wisdom. It doesn't merely inform, but it actively redirects and rescues the individual from impending peril.

Proverbs 13 14 Commentary

Proverbs 13:14 succinctly portrays the transformative power of adhering to wisdom. The "law of the wise" signifies not legalistic codes, but the accumulated and shared insights, principles, and admonitions of those who walk in alignment with God's truth. This counsel is likened to a "fountain of life," emphasizing its continuous, vitalizing, and purifying nature, ensuring a flourishing existence that transcends mere survival. Its ultimate purpose is redemptive and protective: to divert individuals from the perilous "snares of death." These snares represent the myriad hidden dangers, temptations, and destructive choices that can subtly entrap one, leading to spiritual demise and separation from God. The verse underscores that obedience to and absorption of divine wisdom act as an effective shield, providing clear guidance and discernment to navigate a world full of unseen dangers, leading consistently toward abundant life and away from destruction. It suggests that genuine wisdom leads to discerning freedom from the spiritual entanglements of sin.

• Example 1: A young person who listens to the guidance of a wise elder, rooted in biblical principles, avoids a tempting but harmful relationship.
• Example 2: Someone disciplined enough to heed wise financial advice escapes the "snares" of crippling debt.
• Example 3: An individual committed to consistent Bible study and prayer receives clear direction to "turn away" from destructive habits.