The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying wise words are plentiful; it highlights that the source of wisdom is continuous and abundant, like a perpetually flowing brook, suggesting that true wisdom isn't just a stored amount but a living, active spring within a person. This "wellspring" implies a deep, inner vitality that constantly nourishes the words spoken, making them refreshing and life-giving, not just informative.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is nestled in a section of Proverbs contrasting the speech and character of the wise with the foolish. Immediately before, it warns against divisive words that stir up strife, and immediately after, it cautions against hasty promises and reckless speech. This verse, therefore, highlights the kind of words spoken by a truly wise person—words that are profound, not shallow, and flow with a constant, life-giving wisdom.
Ever heard someone speak and felt like you were only scratching the surface of their thoughts? That's the power of deep waters.
This proverb uses a vivid image: the words from a wise person's mouth are like "deep waters." This isn't just about saying a lot; it's about the profound, often complex, meaning beneath the surface.
More Than Meets the Eye
Think about it: you can’t easily see to the bottom of a deep well or lake. Similarly, the wisdom spoken by a truly knowledgeable person has layers. It’s not shallow or easily dismissed. It requires contemplation and can yield fresh insights the more you ponder it.
Constant Refreshment
These aren't stagnant waters, either. The image implies a richness and a substance that can be drawn from repeatedly without being depleted. It’s a source of true understanding, not just fleeting opinions.
What's the difference between a hidden spring and a river that nourishes the land? It’s the overflow!
The second part of the verse paints another picture: 'the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.' This clarifies where these deep waters come from and how they are expressed.
An Unfailing Source
A bubbling brook or a flowing stream doesn't run dry. It suggests a continuous, abundant supply of wisdom originating from a healthy, vibrant source – a wise heart.
Ask a follow-up
Generous Overflow
This isn't wisdom hoarded away. A brook naturally flows outwards, reaching and nourishing whatever is in its path. This speaks to the generous, life-giving nature of true wisdom; it's meant to be shared and to bless others.
Understand the original words
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The practical application of God-given truth and the ability to live in accordance with divine order, often personified as a life-giving source.
This psalm speaks to the revealing power of God's word, much like the 'deep waters' and 'bubbling brook' in Proverbs, showing how wisdom unfolds and brings understanding.
Jeremiah 17:7-8This passage contrasts trust in the Lord with trust in oneself, highlighting the idea of a deep, enduring source of life and strength (like a wellspring) when one is rooted in God.
Matthew 12:34Jesus connects the abundance of the heart to what the mouth speaks, echoing the idea that wise words flow from a rich inner source, just as the proverb describes a 'wellspring of wisdom'.
John 4:14Jesus offers 'living water' that becomes a 'spring of water welling up to eternal life,' a beautiful parallel to the idea of an inexhaustible, life-giving source of wisdom described in Proverbs.
Colossians 2:3This verse refers to the hidden riches of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ, resonating with the 'deep waters' of wisdom that are not easily fathomed but are full of profound truth.
bensonProverbs 18:4: "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."
Proverbs 18:4 . The words of a man’s mouth — Of a wise man’s; are as deep waters — Full of deep wisdom; and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook — That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.
ellicottProverbs 18:4: "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."
(4) The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters . . .— i.e., the words of a “man,” properly so called, are as deep waters which cannot be easily fathomed; they are a copious stream, which flows from a never failing source; they are a fountain of wisdom which is never exhausted.
The verse isn't just saying wise words are plentiful; it highlights that the source of wisdom is continuous and abundant, like a perpetually flowing brook, suggesting that true wisdom isn't just a stored amount but a living, active spring within a person. This "wellspring" implies a deep, inner vitality that constantly nourishes the words spoken, making them refreshing and life-giving, not just informative.
This verse is nestled in a section of Proverbs contrasting the speech and character of the wise with the foolish. Immediately before, it warns against divisive words that stir up strife, and immediately after, it cautions against hasty promises and reckless speech. This verse, therefore, highlights the kind of words spoken by a truly wise person—words that are profound, not shallow, and flow with a constant, life-giving wisdom.
This verse is nestled in a section of Proverbs contrasting the speech and character of the wise with the foolish. Immediately before, it warns against divisive words that stir up strife, and immediately after, it cautions against hasty promises and reckless speech. This verse, therefore, highlights the kind of words spoken by a truly wise person—words that are profound, not shallow, and flow with a constant, life-giving wisdom.
"The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." — The verse isn't just saying wise words are plentiful; it highlights that the source of wisdom is continuous and abundant, like a perpetually flowing brook, suggesting that true wisdom isn't just a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026