Wisdom keeps us close to the sustaining power of God and away from harmful traps.
Solomon presents these words in Proverbs 13:14, weaving a vivid picture of active and life-giving instruction: “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death” (Proverbs 13:14). The phrase “the teaching of the wise” suggests that the wisdom one acquires from godly counsel has the capacity to nourish and sustain us, just as a fountain provides life-giving water. Much as Jesus declared that those who drink the water He provides will never thirst again (John 4:14), the author here highlights that genuine wisdom meets our spiritual needs and steers us away from harmful paths.
Next, “is a fountain of life” conveys the image of continual refreshment and growth. In ancient Israel, springs and fountains were essential for survival in the arid land, since they replenished weary travelers with water. In the same way, wisdom can refill a person’s soul—a direct contrast to the emptiness that follows foolish choices. By aligning ourselves with God’s guidance, we receive a steady source of strength that continually shapes our character and perspectives.
Finally, “to turn aside from the snares of death” underscores the practical benefit of heeding wisdom—it shields us from destructive ends. When we cling to godly counsel, we avoid pitfalls that can threaten both our physical well-being and our moral integrity. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently taught His disciples to remain watchful and guard their hearts (Matthew 26:41), a similar emphasis that wise instruction preserves a person’s soul from harm.
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Proverbs 13:14 meaning
Solomon presents these words in Proverbs 13:14, weaving a vivid picture of active and life-giving instruction: “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death” (Proverbs 13:14). The phrase “the teaching of the wise” suggests that the wisdom one acquires from godly counsel has the capacity to nourish and sustain us, just as a fountain provides life-giving water. Much as Jesus declared that those who drink the water He provides will never thirst again (John 4:14), the author here highlights that genuine wisdom meets our spiritual needs and steers us away from harmful paths.
Next, “is a fountain of life” conveys the image of continual refreshment and growth. In ancient Israel, springs and fountains were essential for survival in the arid land, since they replenished weary travelers with water. In the same way, wisdom can refill a person’s soul—a direct contrast to the emptiness that follows foolish choices. By aligning ourselves with God’s guidance, we receive a steady source of strength that continually shapes our character and perspectives.
Finally, “to turn aside from the snares of death” underscores the practical benefit of heeding wisdom—it shields us from destructive ends. When we cling to godly counsel, we avoid pitfalls that can threaten both our physical well-being and our moral integrity. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently taught His disciples to remain watchful and guard their hearts (Matthew 26:41), a similar emphasis that wise instruction preserves a person’s soul from harm.