Proverbs 18:4

4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like 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 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.

6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.