Proverbs 16:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:22

Note, 1. There is always some good to be gotten by a wise and good man: His understanding is a well-spring of life to him, which always flows and can never be drawn dry; he has something to say upon all occasions that is instructive, and of use to those that will make use of it, things new and old to bring out of his treasure; at least, his understanding is a spring of life to himself, yielding him abundant satisfaction; within his own thoughts he entertains and edifies himself, if not others.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:22

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it ,.... "The master" or "owner of it" F11 בעליו "domini sui", Pagninus; "domino suo", Mercerus, Gejerus; "dominorum suorum", Michaelis. . As he only is to whom an understanding is given; for, whatever understanding men may have of natural and civil things, they have none of things spiritual and divine, unless it be given them by Christ. This is no other than the grace of the Spirit of God, who is a spirit of wisdom and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:22

Understanding is a well-spring of life - חיים מקור mekor chaiyim ; another allusion to the artery that carries the blood from the heart to distribute it to all the extremities of the body. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:16-26

The Divine justice in respect to the wise and fools We see the moral order of God revealed in the character and life of men in various ways. Their conduct has a good or evil effect on themselves, on their fellows, and is exposed to Divine judgment. Let us take these in their order. I. THE REFLEXIVE EFFECT OF MAN 'S CONDUCT . 1 . Wisdom is enriching ( Proverbs 16:16 ). To acquire it is better than ordinary wealth ( Proverbs 3:14 ; Proverbs 8:10 , Proverbs 8:11 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:22

Understanding is a well spring of life unto him that hath it ( Proverbs 10:11 ; Proverbs 13:14 ). 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. But the instruction of fools is folly; i.e. the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:22-24

Proverbs 16:22-24. Understanding is a well-spring of life A clear understanding and right judgment of things, like an inexhaustible spring, gives perpetual comfort and satisfaction to him who has it, and makes him very useful unto others; but the instruction of fools is folly Their learning is frivolous and vain; their most grave and serious counsels are foolish; and, therefore, if they undertake to instruct others, they only make them like themselves. The heart of the wise teacheth his... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 16:22

Understanding. Hebrew. sekel See note on Proverbs 1:2 . fools . . . folly. Hebrew. 'evil. See note on Proverbs 1:7 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 16:22

"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly."The thought here is that a person who follows the Word of God will avoid many pitfalls in life; but the fool will never learn except by experience. His only correction shall be when his own folly overthrows him. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 16:22

22. Understanding—or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing ( :-), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly. read more

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