Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the metaphor of "deep water" is often used to describe the profound and hidden aspects of human thought and wisdom. This imagery is particularly evident in the context of counsel and understanding, where the heart is seen as a reservoir of deep, often concealed, insights and intentions.Biblical References and Interpretation One of the key verses that encapsulate this metaphor is found in Proverbs 20:5: "The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out" . This proverb highlights the complexity and depth of human motives and thoughts, suggesting that true wisdom involves the ability to discern and extract these hidden truths. The "deep waters" symbolize the intricate and sometimes unfathomable nature of the human heart. In ancient Near Eastern culture, water was often associated with mystery and the unknown, reflecting the belief that the heart's true intentions are not always immediately apparent. The verse implies that while the heart's counsel is profound, it requires discernment and understanding to access and interpret it. The Role of Understanding The "man of understanding" in Proverbs 20:5 is portrayed as someone who possesses the skill and insight necessary to navigate these deep waters. This person is not only wise but also perceptive, able to draw out the hidden counsel within the heart. This process involves patience, discernment, and a reliance on divine wisdom, as human understanding alone may not suffice to fully grasp the depths of the heart's intentions. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the concept of deep waters in the heart underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in understanding human motives and decisions. It suggests that while human wisdom is valuable, it is ultimately limited without the illumination provided by God. The Bible frequently emphasizes the need for divine insight, as seen in 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" . Practical Application In practical terms, this metaphor encourages believers to approach decision-making and interpersonal relationships with humility and a reliance on God's wisdom. It serves as a reminder that understanding others—and even oneself—requires more than surface-level observation. It calls for a deep engagement with the heart, guided by prayer and reflection, to uncover the true counsel that lies within. Conclusion The imagery of "deep water" in relation to counsel in the heart is a powerful biblical metaphor that speaks to the complexity of human thought and the necessity of divine wisdom. It challenges individuals to seek understanding beyond the superficial, recognizing that true insight comes from a combination of human discernment and divine guidance. As believers navigate the waters of life, they are encouraged to draw upon the deep well of God's wisdom to illuminate the hidden depths of the heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 20:5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library We are Taught by David and Solomon How to Take Counsel with Our ... A String of Pearls Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment. Thou Shalt not Kill. A Caution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert ... Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ... Psalm XLII. The Water of Life; The Indwelling and Outgoing Works of God. Psalm 107 Resources What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be born of water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |