◄ Proverbs 13:14 ►
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
Study Bible
The teaching of the wise
This phrase emphasizes the value of wisdom imparted by those who are knowledgeable and godly. The Hebrew word for "teaching" is "torah," which can also mean instruction or law. In the context of Proverbs, it refers to the moral and ethical guidance that aligns with God's will. The "wise" are those who fear the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Historically, wisdom literature in ancient Israel was highly esteemed, and the wise were often sought for counsel. This teaching is not merely academic but is deeply practical, intended to guide one's life in righteousness.

is a fountain of life
The imagery of a "fountain of life" suggests a source of continual refreshment and sustenance. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and a fountain symbolized abundance and vitality. The Hebrew word "maqor" for "fountain" implies a spring or well that provides life-giving water. Scripturally, this metaphor is used to describe the life-giving nature of God's wisdom and presence, as seen in Psalm 36:9, "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." The teaching of the wise, therefore, is not static but dynamic, offering ongoing nourishment for the soul.

turning one from the snares of death
This phrase highlights the protective and redemptive power of wisdom. The "snares of death" refer to the traps and pitfalls that lead to spiritual and sometimes physical destruction. The Hebrew word "mokes" for "snares" indicates a trap or a noose, often used in hunting. In a spiritual sense, these snares represent sin, folly, and the consequences of living apart from God's guidance. The wisdom imparted by the wise acts as a safeguard, steering individuals away from these dangers. Historically, the concept of wisdom as a protective force is prevalent in ancient literature, underscoring its role in preserving life and promoting well-being. In a broader scriptural context, this aligns with the message of salvation and deliverance found throughout the Bible, where adherence to God's wisdom leads to life and freedom from the bondage of sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Wise
Refers to individuals who possess and impart godly wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments.

2. Fountain of Life
A metaphorical expression used to describe the life-giving and sustaining power of wisdom. In ancient times, fountains were vital sources of water, symbolizing sustenance and vitality.

3. Snares of Death
Represents the traps and pitfalls that lead to spiritual and sometimes physical destruction. In biblical literature, death often symbolizes separation from God and His ways.
Teaching Points
The Value of Godly Wisdom
Godly wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a life-giving force that sustains and protects us from spiritual harm.

Avoiding Spiritual Traps
By adhering to the teachings of the wise, we can avoid the snares that lead to spiritual death, such as sin and disobedience.

The Role of the Community
Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals can help us grow in wisdom and avoid life's pitfalls.

The Fear of the Lord
Reverence for God is foundational to acquiring wisdom, which in turn becomes a source of life and protection.

Practical Application of Wisdom
Applying wisdom in daily decisions can lead to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify and learn from the "wise" in our lives today, and what characteristics should we look for in them?

2. In what ways can godly wisdom act as a "fountain of life" in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. What are some "snares of death" that we face in contemporary society, and how can wisdom help us avoid them?

4. How does the concept of a "fountain of life" in Proverbs 13:14 relate to Jesus' teaching about living water in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when following wise counsel helped you avoid a negative outcome. How can this experience encourage you to seek wisdom in future decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 14:27
This verse also speaks of the fear of the Lord as a fountain of life, emphasizing the protective and life-giving nature of godly wisdom.

John 4:14
Jesus speaks of the living water He provides, which becomes a spring of water welling up to eternal life, drawing a parallel to the life-giving wisdom mentioned in Proverbs.

Psalm 36:9
This verse highlights God as the source of life and light, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom and life come from Him.
Sermons
The Law of the GoodD. Thomas, D.D.Proverbs 13:14
The Wisdom of Docility, Etc.: a Sermon to the YoungW. Clarkson Proverbs 13:1, 13, 18
The Value of the Divine WordE. Johnson Proverbs 13:13-17
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Aside, Avoid, Death, Depart, Fountain, Law, Nets, Snares, Spring, Teaching, Turn, Turning, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 13:14

     4236   fountain
     5549   speech, positive
     5589   trap
     8367   wisdom, importance of

Library
The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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