The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
The focus of this proverb is “the teaching of the wise” and the good it can accomplish. “The teaching (Hebrew torah or “law”) of the wise” represents what they already know, have practiced and are willing to pass along to others.
Our verse notes that this “teaching…is a fountain of life.” An ever-flowing (“living”) spring of fresh water would have been greatly appreciated in the ancient world and that’s how meaningful the teaching of the wise can be for others.
And, for those who do listen, it can “turn a person from the snares of death.” There are plenty of “traps” out there in life that can take us out — but the “teaching of the wise” helps us identify them and turn the other way.
This wise saying indicates we need to be connected with people — good people — and we’ll need to listen!
“Fountain of life”…”snares of death” — our choice!