Proverbs 14:27
New International Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

New Living Translation
Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

English Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Berean Standard Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

King James Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

New King James Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

New American Standard Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, By which one may avoid the snares of death.

NASB 1995
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.

NASB 1977
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.

Legacy Standard Bible
The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.

Amplified Bible
The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death.

Christian Standard Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.

American Standard Version
The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.

Contemporary English Version
and a life-giving fountain that keeps you safe from deadly traps.

English Revised Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life to turn [one] away from the grasp of death.

Good News Translation
Do you want to avoid death? Reverence for the LORD is a fountain of life.

International Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, enabling anyone to escape the snares of death.

Majority Standard Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

NET Bible
The fear of the LORD is like a life-giving fountain, to turn people from deadly snares.

New Heart English Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.

Webster's Bible Translation
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

World English Bible
The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The fear of YHWH [is] a fountain of life, "" To turn aside from snares of death.

Young's Literal Translation
The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, To turn aside from snares of death.

Smith's Literal Translation
The fear of Jehovah a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to decline from the ruin of death.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, so as to turn aside from the ruin of death.

New American Bible
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.

New Revised Standard Version
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Reverence for the LORD is a fountain of life to those who turn away from the snares of death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The awe of LORD JEHOVAH is a fountain of life to those that turn from the snares of death.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wise Woman
26He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. 28A large population is a king’s splendor, but a lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.…

Cross References
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Job 28:28
And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Ecclesiastes 12:13
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.

Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.

Psalm 34:11
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

Proverbs 22:4
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

Psalm 25:12-14
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the path chosen for him. / His soul will dwell in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. / The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 1:50
His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.


Treasury of Scripture

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

a fountain

Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Revelation 21:6
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

to

Proverbs 2:10-18
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; …

Proverbs 22:5
Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Psalm 18:5
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

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Proverbs 14
1. A wise woman builds her house














The fear of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "fear" here is "yirah," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. In a conservative Christian perspective, this fear is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense but rather having a profound respect and awe for His majesty and holiness. This reverence is foundational to wisdom and understanding, as it aligns one's heart with God's will. Historically, the Israelites understood this fear as a guiding principle that directed their lives towards righteousness and away from sin.

is a fountain of life
The imagery of a "fountain" suggests a continuous, life-giving source. In ancient times, fountains or springs were vital for survival, especially in arid regions. The Hebrew word "maqor" implies a source or wellspring. This metaphor indicates that the fear of the LORD is not a one-time event but an ongoing source of spiritual vitality and renewal. It nourishes the soul, providing wisdom and strength to live a life pleasing to God. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus speaks of living water (John 4:14), which parallels this idea of a life-giving source.

turning a man
The phrase "turning a man" suggests a transformation or redirection. The Hebrew verb "sur" means to turn aside or depart. This indicates a change in direction, moving away from danger or harm. In the context of Proverbs, it implies a moral and spiritual turning, where one's life is redirected from paths that lead to destruction towards those that lead to life. This transformation is a result of embracing the fear of the LORD, which acts as a moral compass.

from the snares of death
"Snares" in Hebrew is "pach," referring to traps or pitfalls. In ancient times, hunters used snares to catch animals, symbolizing hidden dangers or temptations that can lead to one's downfall. "Death" here is not just physical death but spiritual death, separation from God. The fear of the LORD provides discernment and wisdom to recognize and avoid these snares. In a conservative Christian view, this aligns with the New Testament teaching of being vigilant against the devil's schemes (1 Peter 5:8). The fear of the LORD equips believers to navigate life's challenges, ensuring they remain on the path of righteousness and avoid spiritual peril.

(27) Fountain of life.--Comp. Proverbs 13:14 and John 4:14.

Verse 27. - A repetition of Proverbs 13:14, substituting the fear of the Lord for "the law of the wise." The fear of the Lord can he called a fountain of life, because, showing itself in obedience, it nourishes the flowers and fruits of faith, produces graces and virtues, and prepares the soul for immortality. Septuagint, "The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life, and makes one decline from the snare of death."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The fear
יִרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a fountain
מְק֣וֹר (mə·qō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4726: Something dug, a, source, of happiness, wisdom, progeny)

of life,
חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

turning [a man]
לָ֝ס֗וּר (lā·sūr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from the snares
מִמֹּ֥קְשֵׁי (mim·mō·qə·šê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4170: A bait or lure, a snare

of death.
מָֽוֶת׃ (mā·weṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4194: Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin


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