Proverbs 18:4 Meaning and Explanation
“The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Words can have great depth, and genuine wisdom flows like a life-giving stream.
The Context of Proverbs 18:4
Words reflect the depth of character; wisdom refreshes like water.
What Does Proverbs 18:4 Mean?
A person's words are compared to deep waters—they may contain hidden meaning, profound truth, or troubling depths depending on the person's character. The image suggests that words are not simple or surface-level; they carry weight and substance.
Wisdom, by contrast, is like a flowing brook—it nourishes, is continually replenished, and gives life. A wise person is a source of refreshment to others; their words do not stagnate but bring renewal and growth.
Proverbs 18:4 in the Original Language
wellspring (מְקוֹר, mekor), 'source' or 'fountain' — the origin of life-giving flow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:4
What does Proverbs 18:4 mean?
Words can have great depth, and genuine wisdom flows like a life-giving stream.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:4?
Words reflect the depth of character; wisdom refreshes like water.