Proverbs 18:4

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

Proverbs 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters
The words of a great and mighty man; of an excellent and valuable man, as Jarchi; or of a wise man, as Aben Ezra. The doctrines which such a man has imbibed, and his heart is full of and his mouth utters, are like to "waters", pure, purifying, and refreshing; to "deep waters", which make no noise, and cannot be easily fathomed: such are the deep mysteries of grace, the wisdom of God in a mystery, spoken among them that are perfect; of which a good man makes no boast, but humbly declares; out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth speaks; [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook;
there is a spring of spiritual wisdom and knowledge in him; a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life; and from thence it flows freely and constantly; communicating itself liberally unto others, and ministering grace to the hearers, for their edification.

Proverbs 18:4 In-Context

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.