Proverbs 20:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Wise counsel lies deep within the human heart, and understanding people know how to access it.
The Context of Proverbs 20:5
Proverbs praises understanding as the ability to see what is not immediately visible.
What Does Proverbs 20:5 Mean?
Counsel—sound advice and wise plans—remains hidden in the interior of a person's being like water at the bottom of a deep well. It is present, valuable, and available, but not immediately obvious on the surface. The image suggests that people possess more insight than they readily display.
A person of understanding possesses the skill to draw out this hidden counsel from others. Whether through patient listening, good questions, or the trust they inspire, such a person accesses the wisdom that others carry but may not spontaneously share. This speaks to the value of being someone who draws wisdom from those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:5
What does Proverbs 20:5 mean?
Wise counsel lies deep within the human heart, and understanding people know how to access it.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:5?
Proverbs praises understanding as the ability to see what is not immediately visible.