Proverbs 13:14
Proverbs 13:14 in Multiple Translations
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning men away from the nets of death.
The teaching of the wise is like a fountain of life, so you can avoid the snares of death.
The instruction of a wise man is as the welspring of life, to turne away from the snares of death.
The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, To turn aside from snares of death.
The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may decline from the ruin of death.
What wise people teach is like a fountain whose water gives life [MET]; what they teach you will help you to escape when something dangerous is threatening to kill you [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹרַ֣ת
חָ֭כָם
מְק֣וֹר
חַיִּ֑ים
לָ֝/ס֗וּר
מִ/מֹּ֥קְשֵׁי
מָֽוֶת
תּוֹרַ֣ת
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
fountain
N-ms
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
לָ֝/ס֗וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מִ/מֹּ֥קְשֵׁי
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
Prep | N-mp
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:14
תּוֹרַ֣ת
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
חָ֭כָם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
מְק֣וֹר
mâqôwr
H4726
"fountain"
N-ms
Maqor means a fountain or a source of water, like a spring or a well. It can also refer to the source of happiness, wisdom, or life. This term is used to describe a source of something valuable or life-giving.
Definition: 1) spring, fountain 1a) spring 1a1) of source of life, joy, purification (fig.) 1b) of the eye (fig.) 1c) source (of menstruous blood) 1d) flow (of blood after child birth)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring). See also: Leviticus 12:7; Proverbs 16:22; Psalms 36:10.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
לָ֝/ס֗וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִ/מֹּ֥קְשֵׁי
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
Prep | N-mp
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:14
Context — A Father’s Discipline
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. 16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:5 | The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 3 | Proverbs 14:27 | The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 22:6–7 | The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:17 | The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. |
| 6 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:22 | Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:6 | By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. |
| 9 | Proverbs 9:11 | For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. |
| 10 | Proverbs 15:24 | The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol. |
Proverbs 13:14 Summary
[The teaching of the wise is like a fountain of life that gives us spiritual refreshment and helps us avoid sin and death. This means that when we listen to and follow the guidance of wise people who know God's Word, we can stay safe and have a fulfilling life, as promised in Proverbs 3:1-2 and Jeremiah 29:11. By seeking out wise teaching, we can gain the wisdom and discernment we need to navigate life's challenges and make good choices, just like the Bible says in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the teaching of the wise to be a fountain of life?
This phrase means that the guidance and instruction of wise people can bring spiritual life and vitality, just like a fountain provides refreshing water, as seen in Proverbs 10:11 and Jeremiah 2:13.
How can the teaching of the wise turn us from the snares of death?
The teaching of the wise can help us avoid the traps and pitfalls of sin and death by providing us with godly wisdom and discernment, as warned in Proverbs 7:21-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Who are the wise people being referred to in this verse?
The wise people being referred to in this verse are those who have a deep understanding of God's Word and His ways, such as the prophets, apostles, and other believers who have been taught by God, as seen in Psalm 119:99 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
How can we receive the teaching of the wise in our own lives?
We can receive the teaching of the wise by reading and studying the Bible, seeking guidance from godly mentors and teachers, and being part of a community of believers who can encourage and support us, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25 and 2 Timothy 2:2.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I experienced the teaching of the wise as a fountain of life in my own life?
- How can I seek out and receive the teaching of the wise in my daily life?
- What are some specific snares of death that I need to be aware of and turn away from?
- How can I share the teaching of the wise with others and help them avoid the snares of death?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life,.... Or "doctrine" (n); the doctrine of those who are taught by the word, and are wise unto salvation; the words or doctrines of the wise, which are given
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. The law of the wise (is) a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
The law; the doctrine, instruction, or counsel; as the word law is frequently understood in Scripture. Of the wise; of holy men, who are commonly called wise, as sinners are called fools, in this book.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
Proverbs 13:14 The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.Ver. 14. The law of the wise is as a well of life.] Or, The law to the wise is a fountain, &c., whence he may draw the best directions and helps to holiness and happiness. It confines him to live in that element where he would live - as if one were confined to paradise, where he would be - though there were no such law. The wicked, on the contrary, leaps over the pale after profit and pleasure, and falls upon the snares of death, as Shimei sought his servants and lost himself.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
(14) The law of the wise.—Or, rather, his instruction. (Comp. Proverbs 10:11.) Snares of death.—Set by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
Verse 14. The law of the wise is a fountain of life] Perhaps it would be better to translate, "The law is to the wise man a fountain of life." It is the same to him as the "vein of lives," מקור חיים mekor chaiyim, the great aorta which transmits the blood from the heart to every part of the body. There seems to be here an allusion to the garden of paradise, to the tree of lives, to the tempter, to the baleful issue of that temptation, and to the death entailed on man by his unwisely breaking the law of his God.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:14
14. The law — Instruction, precepts. Is a fountain of life, to depart — That is, to cause or enable one to depart. From the snares of death — “An established formula for the description of mortal perils.” — Zockler.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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Words of Spirit and Life by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for p |
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To Friends in the Ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey by George Fox | The preacher delves into the significance of 'springs' (pege) in the Bible, highlighting how it symbolizes a source of living water, both physically and spiritually. Jesus used 'pe |
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Problems Are God's Opportunities by Reuben Walter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's glory and how it doesn't take a long time to understand it. He refers to a victory song sung by David in 2 Samuel, highli |
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Waters Which Do Not Drown and Flames Which Do Not Burn by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the comforting promises of God to His people, assuring them of His presence and protection through trials and tribulations. He emphasizes the strong fou |
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |