Proverbs 18:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 18:4 employs a striking water metaphor to illuminate the profound difference between ordinary human discourse and the clear, life-giving nature of divine wisdom. It suggests that while the words emanating from a person's mouth can be as vast and often inscrutable as deep waters, true wisdom, when it flows from its source, is as refreshing, accessible, and continuously beneficial as a flowing brook. The proverb thus encourages discernment, urging the listener to distinguish between speech that may be superficially profound but ultimately obscure, and the transparent, vital truth that springs from genuine insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 18:4 is situated within a section of the Book of Proverbs that frequently addresses the power and consequences of speech, the nature of wisdom, and the distinction between the wise and the foolish. Chapters 10-29, often attributed to Solomon, consist largely of individual proverbs that offer practical guidance for righteous living. This particular verse builds upon earlier themes regarding the tongue's influence (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue")) and the value of wise counsel. It contrasts the potential obscurity or profundity of typical human words with the clarity and accessibility of wisdom, setting the stage for discernment in communication. The preceding verses in [Proverbs 18](/proverbs/18 "Proverbs 18 - The Wise and the Foolish") often highlight the folly of those who speak rashly or without understanding, making the clarity of wisdom's speech a significant counterpoint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water was an invaluable commodity, symbolizing life, sustenance, and blessing in an often arid landscape. Deep waters could represent mystery, danger, or hidden depths, while flowing brooks or springs were sources of constant refreshment and life. The imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the challenges of finding reliable water sources. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, was a significant part of Israelite culture, serving to transmit moral and theological truths across generations. It often used accessible, vivid metaphors drawn from daily life and the natural world to convey complex ideas, making the abstract concept of wisdom tangible and relatable through the familiar experience of water.
* **Key Themes:** The verse primarily explores two overarching themes: the **Nature of Speech** and the **Essence of Wisdom**. Regarding speech, it highlights its potential for both depth and obscurity, suggesting that human words can carry hidden meanings or be difficult to fully grasp, much like the unfathomable depths of "deep waters." In contrast, the proverb champions wisdom as a "wellspring" and "flowing brook," emphasizing its clear, accessible, and continuously life-giving qualities. This imagery underscores the idea that true wisdom is not stagnant or hidden, but rather flows freely, offering refreshment and insight to all who draw from it. This theme aligns with the broader biblical understanding of wisdom as a divine attribute and a source of life, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:18](/proverbs/3-18 "Proverbs 3:18 - Wisdom as a Tree of Life") where wisdom is described as a "tree of life." The proverb also subtly introduces the theme of **Discernment**, encouraging the listener to distinguish between different kinds of speech and to value the clarity and benefit of wisdom over mere profundity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term encompasses not just spoken utterances but also matters, affairs, things, and even commands or reports. In Proverbs 18:4, it refers to the general discourse or statements that come from a person's mouth, implying the broad scope of human communication, which can be complex, multifaceted, and sometimes obscure in its full meaning or intent.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this word denotes wisdom in a good sense, implying skill, insight, and discernment. It refers to practical, moral, and theological understanding that enables one to live righteously and make sound judgments. In this proverb, it represents a superior form of knowledge and insight that is inherently clear and beneficial.
* **Wellspring (Hebrew, _mâqôwr'_):** From H4726, this term literally means a source or fountain, specifically of water, but figuratively extends to the source of tears, blood, happiness, or wisdom. Its use here emphasizes that wisdom is not merely an isolated statement but originates from a continuous, life-giving source, highlighting its enduring and generative nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters":** This clause metaphorically compares human speech to deep waters. "Deep waters" (מַיִם עֲמֻקִּים - _mayim amukkim_) can signify something vast, profound, mysterious, or even difficult to fathom. It suggests that a person's words often carry hidden depths—unspoken intentions, complex thoughts, or even obscure meanings—that are not immediately apparent or easily understood by the listener. They can be intriguing but also potentially unfathomable or even dangerous, much like deep, unexplored waters.
* **"and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."** This clause presents a stark contrast. "The wellspring of wisdom" (מְקוֹר חָכְמָה - _meqor chokmah_) points to wisdom's origin as a continuous source. Likening it to a "flowing brook" (נַחַל נוֹבֵעַ - _nachal novea_) emphasizes its clarity, accessibility, and continuous refreshment. Unlike the potentially opaque "deep waters," wisdom flows freely and consistently, providing life, insight, and clarity without obstruction. It is readily available and perpetually beneficial, offering a clear path and constant nourishment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 18:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Simile**, explicitly comparing "the words of a man's mouth" to "deep waters" and "the wellspring of wisdom" to "a flowing brook" using the implied "as." This allows for a vivid and immediate understanding of the abstract concepts through concrete, relatable imagery. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Metaphor** by imbuing water with symbolic meaning: deep waters represent complexity, hiddenness, or even obscurity in human speech, while a flowing brook symbolizes clarity, accessibility, and life-giving properties of wisdom. The entire verse is structured around **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, juxtaposing two distinct types of speech (general human words vs. words of wisdom) and their corresponding aquatic metaphors. This stark comparison highlights the superior nature of wisdom's expression, making the discernment between them a central theme.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 18:4 offers profound theological insights into the nature of truth, revelation, and the source of genuine understanding. While human words can be complex, ambiguous, or even misleading, divine wisdom, which is often personified in Proverbs, is presented as clear, accessible, and life-giving. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God's truth is not hidden from those who seek it, but rather flows abundantly. The proverb invites us to consider the origin of our words and the quality of the wisdom we impart, pointing to God as the ultimate "wellspring" of all true wisdom and life. It subtly suggests that words derived from God's wisdom will possess the clarity and refreshing quality of a flowing brook, in contrast to human pronouncements that may be deep but lack divine insight.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart, the Wellspring of Life")
* [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 18:4 serves as a powerful reminder for both speakers and listeners in our daily interactions. For those who speak, it challenges us to consider the source and nature of our words. Are our words merely "deep waters"—complex, perhaps impressive, but ultimately obscure or difficult for others to draw from? Or do they flow from a "wellspring of wisdom," offering clarity, refreshment, and genuine insight that is accessible and beneficial? This proverb calls us to cultivate a heart of wisdom, recognizing that true wisdom is not meant to be hoarded or delivered in an enigmatic fashion, but rather to be shared freely and clearly. For those who listen, it fosters discernment, encouraging us to look beyond superficial profundity and to seek out speech that is truly life-giving and rooted in divine truth. In a world saturated with information, the ability to distinguish between mere words and genuine wisdom is more crucial than ever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my words typically manifest: as "deep waters" or as a "flowing brook"?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my speech is more reflective of wisdom's clarity and less of obscurity?**
* **How does this proverb influence my approach to listening and discerning the words of others?**
* **In what ways can I become a "wellspring" of wisdom for those around me?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary contrast in this proverb?**

Answer: The primary contrast in Proverbs 18:4 is between ordinary human speech, which is likened to "deep waters," and speech that flows from wisdom, which is compared to a "flowing brook." The former suggests potential complexity, hiddenness, or even obscurity, while the latter emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and life-giving refreshment. It's a contrast between the potentially unfathomable nature of general human discourse and the transparent, beneficial nature of true wisdom.

**Why are 'deep waters' used to describe a man's words?**

Answer: "Deep waters" (Hebrew: _mayim amukkim_) are used to describe a man's words to convey their potential for vastness, profundity, and sometimes, their inscrutability. Just as deep waters can be mysterious and difficult to plumb, so too can human words carry hidden meanings, complex intentions, or be expressed in a way that is not easily understood. This imagery suggests that while words may seem profound, they can also be obscure, reflecting the hidden depths of the speaker's thoughts or intentions, or simply lacking the clarity that true wisdom provides. The proverb is not necessarily condemning all deep speech but rather contrasting it with the superior clarity of wisdom. This is similar to how [Proverbs 20:5](/proverbs/20-5 "Proverbs 20:5 - Counsel in a Man's Heart") speaks of counsel as deep water, requiring a man of understanding to draw it out.

**How does this proverb relate to discernment?**

Answer: This proverb is fundamentally a call to discernment. It teaches us to evaluate the quality and source of speech. Not all seemingly "deep" or profound words are truly wise or beneficial. True wisdom, unlike potentially obscure human utterances, is characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and life-giving nature, like a constantly "flowing brook." Therefore, the proverb encourages listeners to discern between speech that might be complex but ultimately unhelpful, and that which is clear, refreshing, and rooted in genuine wisdom, providing guidance for navigating the complexities of human communication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 18:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the source of living water. The "wellspring of wisdom" that flows as a "flowing brook" points directly to Christ. In Him, all the treasures of "wisdom and knowledge" are hidden, yet made fully accessible to humanity ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). Unlike the "deep waters" of human words, which can be obscure or limited, Jesus' words are pure, clear, and life-giving. He declared Himself to be the "living water," promising that whoever believes in Him would have "rivers of living water" flow from within them ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). As the Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), Jesus perfectly articulates the Father's wisdom, offering truth that is not only profound but also perfectly comprehensible and eternally refreshing. His teachings are not hidden depths but a clear, constant stream of divine revelation, bringing light and life to all who hear and believe ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). Thus, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the wellspring of wisdom, whose words are indeed a flowing brook, satisfying the deepest thirsts of the human soul.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 10:11

¶ The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 20:5

¶ Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Proverbs 13:14

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

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)