What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:5? Intentions of a man’s heart “The intentions of a man’s heart…” (Proverbs 20:5) points us straight to what drives a person. • Scripture treats the heart as the control center of thought and will (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45). • Because the heart is naturally bent toward self-interest, “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). • God alone sees every motive: “the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9). Deep waters “…are deep waters.” • Deep water in Proverbs pictures something hard to reach, dark, and potentially dangerous (Proverbs 18:4). • Motives often lie hidden even from ourselves; David had to ask, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). • Like the ocean depths, motives can be both rich and treacherous—full of potential yet capable of concealing sin (James 3:14-15). Man of understanding “…but a man of understanding…” • Understanding is a gift of God that begins with revering Him (Proverbs 9:10). • Such a person develops discernment through Scripture (Psalm 119:104) and prayer-shaped observation (Philippians 1:9-10). • He or she is marked by humility, recognizing limits yet relying on the Lord’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6). Draws them out “…draws them out.” • The wording pictures lowering a bucket into a well and patiently lifting water to the surface. • Practically, the discerning person draws out motives by: – Listening carefully (James 1:19) – Asking gentle, honest questions (Proverbs 20:5 is often paired with 18:13) – Weighing words against truth (1 John 4:1) – Comparing actions with professed beliefs (Matthew 7:20) • This work is redemptive, aiming to expose sin for healing (Ephesians 5:13) and to call forth God-honoring desires (Hebrews 10:24). Practical application • For ourselves: invite the Spirit to reveal hidden motives (Psalm 19:12). • For others: approach conversations with patience and grace, seeking understanding more than winning arguments (Colossians 4:6). • For the church: cultivate environments where truth and transparency flourish, so deep waters become living water (John 7:38). summary Proverbs 20:5 teaches that human motives are naturally obscured, like water far below a surface no eye can see. Yet God equips the wise to plumb those depths—first in their own hearts, then in the lives of others—through patient, discerning, Spirit-led engagement. |
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