Proverbs 18:4

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Proverbs 18:4 in Other Translations

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

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

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

4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

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 find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.

6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 18:16