The Fountain of Life

Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

The Fountain of Life

Proverbs 13:14 ESV

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.

11:30

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and whoever captures souls is wise.

There are some areas of Texas where springs are plentiful. The Hill Country is one such area. There is an artesian well in the city of Humble that has flowed freely for all that city’s existence.

The fountain of life is just such a free-flowing source as a spring or the artesian well mentioned. It is there for the use of all who will come to it and no matter how much is taken from it, it is never diminished.

Proverbs 13:14 tells us two facts about wisdom. It is by definition an instructor. Secondly the teaching results in life. The life resulting from wisdom is founded on trust in God as Savior and uprightness of conduct as a result.

The escape wisdom provides is also two-fold. It gives a direction that is from “snares” that result in “death”. The path of the just is “light” for them, while the path of the wicked is “darkness”. Proverbs 4:18-19. Snares and darkness continue in the way of those who have life. It is only by wise instruction that escape comes.

It is assumed the reader understands that a wise person is intended as the teacher. This person in Proverbs 11:30 is a righteous person who bears life-giving fruit. As in Proverbs 11:30 the responsibility extends to whoever wins souls, or captures, or takes. The active responsibility is emphasized, so the teacher in Proverbs 13:14 is equally responsible and productive.

While one verse indicates the snatching away of the captive which results in life, the other pictures traps laid out for the traveler which the wise teacher when listened to with attention, assures the traveler’s escape.

The response for any who read these passages is stated clearly in James 1:21. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” No person is ever saved separate from the gospel which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

The Lord Jesus could say to the woman who touched Him “go on your way. Your faith (in me) has made you whole Luke 8:48.