King James Bible
"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly."
Wisdom literature portrays true understanding as a fountain that continuously refreshes and sustains those who possess it. The Hebrew concept links understanding to practical wisdom that guides daily decisions, making it a source of vitality and flourishing. This phrase emphasizes the personal nature of wisdom—it benefits primarily the one who cultivates and possesses it. The proverb highlights individual responsibility in acquiring understanding rather than expecting it to come automatically. In sharp contrast, whatever fools attempt to teach leads only to more foolishness, creating a destructive cycle. The parallel structure typical of Hebrew poetry sets life-giving wisdom against the empty, harmful teachings that flow from those who reject understanding.