What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:4?

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters

“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters” (Proverbs 18:4).

• Deep waters conceal. Just as a lake can hide rocks beneath a calm surface, so ordinary conversation can mask motives that only God fully sees (1 Samuel 16:7).

• Deep waters can be dangerous. A thoughtless listener may be pulled into gossip, deceit, or flattery before noticing the undertow (James 3:5–8).

• Deep waters hold treasure. Under the Spirit’s guidance, we can draw out good purposes, much like “a man of understanding draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).

• Deep waters reveal the heart. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45); therefore words expose what lies beneath (Matthew 15:18).

Practical takeaway: weigh words—both yours and others’—because they can run deeper than they first appear, even carrying “death and life” (Proverbs 18:21).

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the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook

“the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook” (Proverbs 18:4).

• A fountain refreshes. Wise words revive weary hearts like “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11; 13:14).

• A brook keeps flowing. God-given wisdom isn’t sporadic; it continually bubbles up, echoing Jesus’ promise of “streams of living water” within the believer (John 7:38; 4:14).

• A brook is clear. Unlike murky depths, wisdom is transparent—“first pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17).

• A brook invites others. People are drawn to steady, life-giving counsel; they drink deeply without fear of hidden traps (Proverbs 16:24).

Practical takeaway: pursue the Lord so that your speech becomes an ever-fresh stream, offering clarity, comfort, and truth to all who listen.

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summary

Words can sink like unseen currents or sparkle like a sunlit brook. Guard the depths of your heart, for speech will inevitably reveal them, and seek the Lord’s wisdom so that what rises to your lips consistently refreshes others with life.