Proverbs 18:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The words of a man's mouth are deep water, a gushing torrent, a fountain of wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible:

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

American Standard Version:

The words of a man’s mouth areasdeep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The words^{H1697} of a man's^{H376} mouth^{H6310} are as deep^{H6013} waters^{H4325}, and the wellspring^{H4726} of wisdom^{H2451} as a flowing^{H5042} brook^{H5158}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Proverbs 18:4

Proverbs 18:4 is a verse that captures the profound nature of human speech and the source of wisdom. The imagery used in this verse is rich and evocative, drawing from the natural world to convey its message. "Deep waters" symbolize the depth and complexity of human words, suggesting that what a person says can hold hidden meanings, implications, and consequences, much like the unseen depths of a body of water. This metaphor implies that words should be approached with caution and respect, recognizing their potential power and impact.

The second part of the verse compares the "wellspring of wisdom" to "a flowing brook." This analogy conveys the idea that wisdom is continually renewing and life-giving, much like a fresh stream of water. It is something to be sought after and cherished, providing sustenance and guidance in life. The flowing brook is also a symbol of purity and clarity, indicating that true wisdom, when it flows from a person's mouth, can refresh, cleanse, and bring life to conversations and situations.

Historically, the Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings from various authors, primarily King Solomon, who was renowned for his wisdom. These proverbs were compiled to instruct and guide the people of Israel, offering insights into righteous living, ethical behavior, and practical wisdom for everyday life. Proverbs 18:4, therefore, fits within this broader context of imparting wisdom and encouraging thoughtful speech. It serves as a reminder to the ancient Israelites, and by extension to all readers, of the importance of speaking with discernment and seeking wisdom as a fundamental aspect of a well-lived life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6013
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָמֹק
   Transliteration: ʻâmôq
   Pronunciation: aw-moke'
   Description: from עָמַק; deep (literally or figuratively); ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing).
   
5. Strong's Number: H4325
   There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַיִם
   Transliteration: mayim
   Pronunciation: mah'-yim
   Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
   
6. Strong's Number: H4726
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָקוֹר
   Transliteration: mâqôwr
   Pronunciation: maw-kore'
   Description: or מָקֹר; from קוּר; properly, something dug, i.e. a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears, blood (by euphemism, of the female pudenda); figuratively, of happiness, wisdom, progeny); fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring).
   
7. Strong's Number: H2451
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמָה
   Transliteration: chokmâh
   Pronunciation: khok-maw'
   Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
   
8. Strong's Number: H5042
   There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָבַע
   Transliteration: nâbaʻ
   Pronunciation: naw-bah'
   Description: a primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor); belch out, flowing, pour out, send forth, utter (abundantly).
   
9. Strong's Number: H5158
   There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נַחַל
   Transliteration: nachal
   Pronunciation: nakh'-al
   Description: or (feminine) נַחְלָה; (Psalm 124:4), or נַחֲלָה; (Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28), from נָחַל in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine); brook, flood, river, stream, valley.