Proverbs 16:22
Modern Translations
New International Version
Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools.

New Living Translation
Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.

English Standard Version
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Berean Study Bible
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

New American Standard Bible
Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, But the discipline of fools is foolishness.

NASB 1995
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.

NASB 1977
Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, But the discipline of fools is folly.

Amplified Bible
Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it, But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.

Christian Standard Bible
Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.

Contemporary English Version
Good sense is a fountain that gives life, but fools are punished by their foolishness.

Good News Translation
Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it, but stubborn fools punish themselves with their stupidity.

International Standard Version
Anyone who has understanding is a fountain of life, but foolishness brings punishment to fools.

NET Bible
Insight is like a life-giving fountain to the one who possesses it, but folly leads to the discipline of fools.
Classic Translations
King James Bible
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

New King James Version
Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.

King James 2000 Bible
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

New Heart English Bible
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

World English Bible
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

American King James Version
Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

American Standard Version
Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is their folly.

A Faithful Version
Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Darby Bible Translation
Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

English Revised Version
Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the correction of fools is their folly.

Webster's Bible Translation
Understanding is a well-spring of life to him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

Early Modern
Geneva Bible of 1587
Vnderstading is welspring of life vnto them that haue it: and the instruction of fooles is folly.

Bishops' Bible of 1568
Vnderstandyng is a well of lyfe vnto hym that hath it: as for the chastenyng of fooles it is but foolishnesse.

Coverdale Bible of 1535
Vnderstondinge is a well of life vnto him yt hath it, as for ye chastenynge of fooles, it is but foolishnesse.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Understanding [is] a fountain of life to its possessors, "" The instruction of fools is folly.

Young's Literal Translation
A fountain of life is understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.

Smith's Literal Translation
The understanding of him possessing it is a fountain of life: and the instruction of the foolish is folly.

Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it: the instruction of fools is foolishness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Learning is a fountain of life to one who possesses it. The doctrine of the foolish is senseless.

Translations from Aramaic
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Understanding is a fountain of life to those that know it and the instruction of fools is madness.

Lamsa Bible
Understanding is a spring of life to those who have it; but the instruction of the fools is folly.

OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; But folly is the chastisement of fools.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
















Proverbs 16:21
Top of Page
Top of Page