Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. New Living Translation Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. English Standard Version The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Berean Standard Bible The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. King James Bible Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. New King James Version Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. New American Standard Bible A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, But a person of understanding draws it out. NASB 1995 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. NASB 1977 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. Legacy Standard Bible Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of discernment draws it out. Amplified Bible A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well, But a man of understanding draws it out. Christian Standard Bible Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water; but a person of understanding draws it out. Holman Christian Standard Bible Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water; but a man of understanding draws it out. American Standard Version Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. Contemporary English Version Someone's thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart, you will discover them. English Revised Version Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. GOD'S WORD® Translation A motive in the human heart is like deep water, and a person who has understanding draws it out. Good News Translation A person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out. International Standard Version The intentions of a person's heart are deep waters, but a discerning person reveals them. Majority Standard Bible The intentions of a man?s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. NET Bible Counsel in a person's heart is like deep water, but an understanding person draws it out. New Heart English Bible Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Webster's Bible Translation Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. World English Bible Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionCounsel in the heart of a man [is] deep water, "" And a man of understanding draws it up. Young's Literal Translation Counsel in the heart of a man is deep water, And a man of understanding draweth it up. Smith's Literal Translation Deep waters are counsel in the heart of man; and a man of understanding will draw it out. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleCounsel in the heart of a man is like deep water: but a wise man will draw it out. Catholic Public Domain Version Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep waters. But a wise man will draw it out. New American Bible The intention of the human heart is deep water, but the intelligent draw it forth. New Revised Standard Version The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent will draw them out. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe counsel in a king's heart is deep; but a wise man will draw it out. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The word in the heart of the King is deep, and a wise man will draw it out. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out. Brenton Septuagint Translation Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a prudent man will draw it out. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wine is a Mocker…4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. 5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. 6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?… Cross References James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Matthew 12:34-35 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. Romans 8:27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 1 Kings 3:9-12 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Colossians 2:2-3 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. Ecclesiastes 7:25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. Treasury of Scripture Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. Psalm 64:6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Jump to Previous Counsel Deep Draw Draweth Draws Good Heart Mind Plan Purpose Purposes Sense Understanding Water WatersJump to Next Counsel Deep Draw Draweth Draws Good Heart Mind Plan Purpose Purposes Sense Understanding Water WatersProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingThe intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters This phrase suggests that the true motives and desires within a person's heart are complex and not easily discerned. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will (Jeremiah 17:9). The metaphor of "deep waters" implies depth, mystery, and sometimes danger, as deep waters can be treacherous and difficult to navigate. In ancient Near Eastern culture, water was both a source of life and a symbol of chaos, reflecting the dual nature of the human heart. The Bible frequently uses water imagery to convey spiritual truths, such as in Psalm 42:7, where deep calls to deep, indicating profound spiritual experiences or emotions. but a man of understanding draws them out Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and godly living are reflected throughout the book of Proverbs. 2. The Wise Man This refers to the person of understanding mentioned in the verse, who is able to discern and draw out the deep intentions of the heart. 3. The Heart In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is the source of intentions and motivations. 4. Deep Waters This metaphor suggests something profound, hidden, and not easily accessible, representing the complexity and depth of human intentions. 5. Understanding The Hebrew word for understanding ("tevunah") implies insight, discernment, and the ability to perceive beyond the surface. Teaching Points The Complexity of the Human HeartThe heart's intentions are not always clear or straightforward. Like deep waters, they require careful exploration and discernment. The Role of Wisdom and Understanding A person of understanding, equipped with godly wisdom, can discern and draw out the true intentions of the heart. This requires patience, insight, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Seeking God’s Wisdom Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God to understand their own hearts and the hearts of others. This involves prayer, study of Scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Practical Discernment in Relationships In relationships, whether personal or professional, understanding the intentions of others can lead to healthier interactions and prevent misunderstandings. Self-Reflection and Growth Regular self-examination in light of Scripture helps believers align their intentions with God's will, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.(5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.--The wise thoughts of a "man," fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).Verse 5. - Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water. The thoughts and purposes of a man are hidden in his breast like deep water (Proverbs 18:4) in the bosom of the earth, hard to fathom, hard to get. But a man of understanding will draw it out. One who is intelligent and understands human nature penetrates the secret, and, by judicious questions and remarks, draws out (ἐξαντλήσει, Septuagint) the hidden thought. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The intentionsעֵצָ֣ה (‘ê·ṣāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence of a man’s אִ֑ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person heart בְלֶב־ (ḇə·leḇ-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre are deep עֲ֭מֻקִּים (‘ă·muq·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6013: Deep waters, מַ֣יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen but a man וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of understanding תְּבוּנָ֣ה (tə·ḇū·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice draws them out. יִדְלֶֽנָּה׃ (yiḏ·len·nāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1802: To dangle, to let down a, bucket, to deliver Links Proverbs 20:5 NIVProverbs 20:5 NLT Proverbs 20:5 ESV Proverbs 20:5 NASB Proverbs 20:5 KJV Proverbs 20:5 BibleApps.com Proverbs 20:5 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 20:5 Chinese Bible Proverbs 20:5 French Bible Proverbs 20:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man (Prov. Pro Pr) |
    |