Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is a fountain {H4726} of life {H2416}, to depart {H5493} from the snares {H4170} of death {H4194}.

The fear of ADONAI is a fountain of life enabling one to avoid deadly traps.

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27 presents a profound truth about the transformative power of a right relationship with God. It declares that "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." This verse encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom, highlighting how reverence for God leads to genuine well-being and protection from destructive paths.

Context

This proverb is situated within a collection of wise sayings that contrast the ways of the righteous and the wicked, and their respective outcomes. The book of Proverbs, a cornerstone of Old Testament wisdom literature, consistently emphasizes the "fear of the LORD" as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). It's not about terror, but a deep, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority, leading to obedience and moral discernment. This reverence is presented as the foundation for a truly prosperous and meaningful life.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God (The Fear of the LORD): This is the central concept. It signifies a profound respect and submission to God's will, recognizing His supreme authority and goodness. This respectful awe guides one's decisions and actions.
  • Source of Abundant Life: Described as a "fountain of life," this concept implies a continuous, refreshing, and invigorating source of spiritual, emotional, and even physical vitality. It speaks to a life lived in accordance with God's design, leading to true flourishing and satisfaction. This echoes the promise of life more abundantly offered through Christ.
  • Protection from Destruction: To "depart from the snares of death" means to be kept safe from temptations, destructive habits, harmful relationships, and spiritual pitfalls that lead to ruin. The fear of the Lord acts as a moral compass, guiding individuals away from choices that ultimately lead to spiritual or physical demise, much like being delivered from the pains of hell and the snares of death described elsewhere.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" here is yir'ah (יִרְאָה), which encompasses more than just terror. It denotes a deep reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty and holiness. This attitude is foundational to true wisdom. The phrase "fountain of life" comes from maqor chayyim (מְקוֹר חַיִּים), where maqor means "spring" or "source," and chayyim means "life," often implying well-being and vitality in its fullest sense. The "snares" (moqshei, מוֹקְשֵׁי) refer to traps or lures, suggesting deceptive dangers that ensnare the unwary.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:27 provides timeless guidance for modern life. Cultivating a genuine reverence for God means acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking to live according to His principles. This spiritual discipline acts as a powerful deterrent against harmful choices and destructive paths, such as addiction, deceit, or ungodly relationships. It fosters integrity, wisdom, and discernment, leading to a life characterized by peace, purpose, and true vitality. By prioritizing the "fear of the LORD," individuals align themselves with the ultimate source of life, safeguarding themselves from the many "snares" that society often presents.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 13:14

    ¶ The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

  • Revelation 21:6

    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

  • Proverbs 2:10

    ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

  • Proverbs 2:18

    For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

  • Isaiah 33:6

    And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.

  • Proverbs 22:5

    ¶ Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

  • Psalms 18:5

    The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back