Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
פִי
mouth
H6310
פִי
mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אִ֑ישׁ
of a man's
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
of a man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
נַ֥חַל
brook
H5158
נַ֥חַל
brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
6 of 9
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
נֹ֝בֵ֗עַ
as a flowing
H5042
נֹ֝בֵ֗עַ
as a flowing
Strong's:
H5042
Word #:
7 of 9
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:5Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.Proverbs 10:11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.Proverbs 13:14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Matthew 12:34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Historical Context
In arid Palestine, springs and flowing brooks were precious resources providing life. Using this imagery for wise speech emphasizes its life-giving, refreshing, essential nature in the community.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your words provide 'deep waters' that refresh and nourish others?
- How can you cultivate the kind of wisdom that flows naturally from your speech?
- What is the relationship between being filled with the Spirit and speaking words of wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A person's words can be 'deep waters' and 'a flowing brook' of wisdom. The Hebrew 'mayim amaq' (deep waters) suggests profundity and hidden resources. The 'wellspring of wisdom' (Hebrew 'maqor chokmah') flows forth as a brook (Hebrew 'nachal'—stream/torrent). This describes speech rich with insight, nourishing to hearers. Jesus promised that believers would have rivers of living water flowing from within (John 7:38-39)—the Holy Spirit producing wisdom. Reformed theology emphasizes Word and Spirit working together to produce wise speech that edifies the church.