Proverbs 16:22 (BSB)

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

From Proverbs 16. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 16:22

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 16:22: Note, 1. There is always some good to be gotten by a wise and good man: His understanding is a well-spring of life to him, which always flows and can never be drawn dry; he has something to say upon all occasions that is instructive, and of use to those that will make use of it, things new and old to bring out of his...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 16:22: Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it,.... "The master" or "owner of it" (k). As he only is to whom an understanding is given; for, whatever understanding men may have of natural and civil things, they have none of things spiritual and divine, unless it be given them by Christ.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 16:22: Understanding--or, "discretion," is a constant source of blessing (Pro 13:14), benefiting others; but fools' best efforts are folly.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 16:22: Understanding [is] a wellspring of life to him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly. (l) Either that which the wicked teach others, or else it is folly to teach them who are malicious.