In biblical literature, fountains and springs often symbolize life, purity, and divine wisdom. The imagery of water as a source of life is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, and it is frequently associated with the wisdom and teachings of God. The "Law of the Wise" can be understood as the divine instructions and principles that guide the faithful in righteous living.

Symbolism of Fountains and Springs

Fountains and springs are natural sources of water, essential for sustaining life. In the arid landscapes of the biblical world, they were vital for survival, agriculture, and community life. Spiritually, they represent the sustenance and refreshment that come from God's wisdom and law. Proverbs 13:14 states, "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death." Here, the "fountain of life" is directly linked to the wisdom imparted by the wise, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.

The Law of the Wise

The "Law of the Wise" refers to the divine instructions that are imparted through the Scriptures and the teachings of those who fear the Lord. This law is not merely a set of rules but a comprehensive guide to living a life that is pleasing to God. It encompasses moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of life with integrity and righteousness.

Proverbs 14:27 further illustrates this concept: "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." The fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, is likened to a fountain that provides life-giving water. It is through reverence for God and adherence to His law that one finds true wisdom and life.

Fountains and Springs in the Life of Believers

For believers, the imagery of fountains and springs serves as a reminder of the continuous and abundant provision of God's wisdom. Just as physical water is necessary for physical life, spiritual water—found in the teachings and laws of God—is essential for spiritual vitality. Isaiah 12:3 captures this beautifully: "With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation." This verse highlights the joy and salvation that come from drawing upon the divine wisdom and grace provided by God.

Christ as the Ultimate Source

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate source of living water. In John 4:14 , Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." Here, Christ positions Himself as the fulfillment of the Old Testament imagery of fountains and springs, offering eternal life through His teachings and sacrifice.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek the wisdom of God as a fountain of life, allowing it to guide their decisions and actions. By immersing themselves in the Scriptures and the teachings of Christ, they can access the life-giving water that sustains and enriches their spiritual journey. The Law of the Wise, therefore, is not only a source of knowledge but a transformative power that leads to a life of righteousness and peace.Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... And since knowledge springs up with illumination, shedding its ... the glorying in knowledge,
hear the law of Scripture ... the breasts are not like fountains full of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience.
... wait on them; the winds blow, the fountains flow, the ... to the flesh, the nativity
of Christ springs, how great ... and a transgressor of the given law, received. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ix on the advantage.htm

We Sure of To-Morrow? a New Year's Sermon
... summer and winter it shall be.' Other fountains may sink ... Other springs may be left
behind on the march, and ... day, and much more abundant.' The law of continuity ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/we sure of to-morrow a.htm

Matt. I. 1
... It was not the law among the Jews that the ... from taking thought concerning such matters,
there springs in the ... air, and in a meadow, and in fountains and gardens ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily ii matt i 1.htm

He Then once More Excellently, Appropriately, and Clearly Examines ...
... earth, before He made the depths, before the springs of the ... What is the security
of the fountains under the heaven ... the divine decrees of the Gospel law, and the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then once.htm

Sin is Spiritual Slavery
... Whatever springs from will, we are responsible for ... duty reaches beyond the external
conduct, and the law of God ... of heaven are opened" that "the fountains of the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin is spiritual slavery.htm

The Water of Life;
... God will lead THEM to his 'living fountains of waters ... the head and spring from whence
this river proceeds, or springs. ... This the law cannot do, this man cannot do ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

part i.
... the diffusion of good, are exempted from this universal law? ... Those who depend on
intermittent springs are liable to ... to seal up the very fountains intended to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... grows the goodly trees of frankincense; Her arbours, walks, fountains, and pleasant
springs, Delightful formerly ... my flesh, I do not die; What law, should I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Man's Difficulty Concerning Prayer.
... Such objection springs from poorest idea of God in relation ... interfere without the
change of a single law of his ... be adversaries to no man, but fountains of love ...
/.../macdonald/unspoken sermons/mans difficulty concerning prayer.htm

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