The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.
By the law of the wise and righteous, here, we may understand either the principles and rules by which they govern themselves or (which comes all to one) the instructions which they give to others, which ought to be as a law to all about them; and if they be so, 1.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life,.... Or "doctrine" (n); the doctrine of those who are taught by the word, and are wise unto salvation; the words or doctrines of the wise, which are given forth by one Shepherd; the instructions of such who are like Scribes, well instructed themselves unto the kingdom of heaven: these are as a fountain of living...
(Compare Pro 10:11). fountain--or, "source of life." to depart--(compare Pro 1:2-4), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.