Proverbs 18:4

4 The words of a man's mouth are ¹deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

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 does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.

3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.

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

5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 20:5

Footnotes

• [a] Or "A bubbling brook, a fountain of wisdom"