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 concept of "the fear of the LORD" is foundational in biblical wisdom literature. It signifies a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's rightful place in one's life. In the context of ancient Israel, this fear was central to the covenant relationship between God and His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, where Israel is called to fear the LORD and walk in His ways. It is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is often associated with obedience and trust in God.

is a fountain of life
A "fountain of life" suggests a source of sustenance, refreshment, and vitality. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and a fountain or spring was a symbol of life and prosperity. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe the life-giving and sustaining power of God (Psalm 36:9). In 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 spiritual life and renewal found in Him.

turning a man from the snares of death
The "snares of death" refer to the traps and pitfalls that lead to spiritual and physical destruction. In biblical times, snares were used by hunters to catch animals, symbolizing the dangers and temptations that can entrap a person. The fear of the LORD provides wisdom and discernment to avoid these dangers. This phrase echoes the protective aspect of divine wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:7-8, where fearing the LORD and shunning evil brings health and nourishment. It also points to the ultimate deliverance from death through faith in God, as fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal nature and His relationship with His people.

3. The Snares of Death
A metaphorical expression representing the various dangers and temptations that can lead to spiritual or physical destruction.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LORD as Reverence
The Hebrew word for "fear" (yirah) implies reverence and awe. It is not about being afraid of God but having a deep respect and acknowledgment of His power and authority.

Fountain of Life
The imagery of a fountain suggests a continuous and abundant source of life. When we live in reverence to God, we tap into His endless supply of wisdom, guidance, and sustenance.

Avoiding the Snares of Death
The "snares of death" symbolize the traps and pitfalls of sin and poor choices. The fear of the LORD provides discernment and protection, guiding us away from these dangers.

Practical Wisdom for Daily Living
Embracing the fear of the LORD influences our decisions, relationships, and priorities, leading to a life that reflects God's character and purposes.

Eternal Perspective
Understanding the fear of the LORD helps us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing what is truly important and aligning our lives with God's eternal kingdom.(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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