The Power of Wise Counsel

The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. 

(Proverbs 13:14 NLT) 

The proverb in Proverbs 13:14 compares the instruction of the wise to a life-giving fountain. This is a powerful image that suggests that following the advice of wise people can lead to a long and healthy life.

There are many reasons why this is true. First, wise people have usually seen more of life than we have. They have made mistakes and learned from them. They have experienced both good and bad times, and they have come to understand what is truly important. This knowledge can be invaluable to us, as it can help us avoid making the same mistakes that they have made.

Second, wise people are often able to see things from a different perspective. They can help us to see the big picture and to understand the consequences of our actions. This can help us to make better decisions and to avoid getting into trouble.

Third, wise people are often able to offer us guidance and support. They can help us to stay on track and to overcome challenges. They can also be a source of comfort and encouragement when we are going through difficult times.

Of course, not all advice is good advice. There are some people who will give us bad advice, either intentionally or unintentionally. However, if we are wise, we will be able to discern the difference between good advice and bad advice. We will be able to see the wisdom in the advice of wise people, and we will be able to avoid the snares of death.

In conclusion, the instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain. It can help us to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. If we are wise, we will seek out the advice of wise people and we will follow their guidance.

Here are some additional thoughts on the proverb:

• The fountain in the proverb is a symbol of life and abundance. It is a source of fresh water that can quench thirst and nourish the body. In the same way, the instruction of the wise can quench our spiritual thirst and nourish our souls.

• The snares of death are a symbol of the dangers that we face in life. They can be physical dangers, such as accidents or illness. They can also be spiritual dangers, such as temptation or sin. The instruction of the wise can help us to avoid these snares and to live a life of peace and prosperity.

I hope this has helped you to understand the proverb in Proverbs 13:14. If you are looking for guidance in life, I encourage you to seek out the advice of wise people. You may be surprised at how much they can help you.

I summary:

• The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain.

• Wise people have seen more of life than we have and can help us avoid making mistakes.

• Wise people can help us see the big picture and understand the consequences of our actions.

• Wise people can offer us guidance and support.

• The instruction of the wise can help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives.