Proverbs 20:5
Proverbs 20:5 in Multiple Translations
The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out.
The purpose in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of good sense will get it out.
Discovering what someone is planning in their mind is like looking at deep water, but a person who has understanding will find out.
The counsell in the heart of man is like deepe waters: but a man that hath vnderstanding, will drawe it out.
Counsel in the heart of a man [is] deep water, And a man of understanding draweth it up.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water: but a wise man will draw it out.
Just as it is difficult to bring up water from a deep well, it is difficult to know what people are thinking, but someone who has good sense/insight will be able to find out what people are thinking.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַ֣יִם
עֲ֭מֻקִּים
עֵצָ֣ה
בְ/לֶב
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
תְּבוּנָ֣ה
יִדְלֶֽ/נָּה
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
עֲ֭מֻקִּים
ʻâmôq
H6013
deep
Adj
עֵצָ֣ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
תְּבוּנָ֣ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
יִדְלֶֽ/נָּה
dâlâh
H1802
to draw (up/out)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:5
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
עֲ֭מֻקִּים
ʻâmôq
H6013
"deep"
Adj
Means deep, describing something that is physically or emotionally profound, like the depths of the ocean or a mysterious situation, as seen in Psalm 36:6. It can also describe something that is unsearchable or hard to understand. This concept is used to convey a sense of awe or wonder.
Definition: 1) deep, mysterious, depths 1a) deep 1b) unsearchable
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] exceeding) deep (thing). See also: Leviticus 13:3; Job 12:22; Psalms 64:7.
עֵצָ֣ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תְּבוּנָ֣ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
יִדְלֶֽ/נָּה
dâlâh
H1802
"to draw (up/out)"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to pull something up, like drawing water from a well. It can also mean to deliver or rescue someone, as in lifting them up from trouble.
Definition: 1) to draw, dangle 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw 1a2) drawing advice (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to draw up
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: draw (out), [idiom] enough, lift up. See also: Exodus 2:16; Psalms 30:2; Proverbs 20:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:5
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
5The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man? 7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:4 | The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 2:11 | For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. |
| 3 | Psalms 64:6 | They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. |
Proverbs 20:5 Summary
This verse means that our true thoughts and feelings can be hard to understand, even for ourselves. But a person who is wise and understanding can help us figure out what's really going on in our hearts. This is like what it says in Proverbs 11:14, where it talks about the importance of having good advisors in our lives. By seeking guidance from God and from wise people, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and live more wisely as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the intentions of a man's heart are 'deep waters'?
This phrase suggests that a person's true intentions and motivations can be difficult to understand, much like the depths of the ocean, as noted in Psalm 92:5, where God's wisdom is beyond human comprehension.
How can a man of understanding 'draw out' the intentions of another person's heart?
A man of understanding can discern the intentions of another person's heart through careful observation, active listening, and seeking guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
What is the significance of having a man of understanding in our lives?
Having a man of understanding in our lives can be a great blessing, as they can offer valuable guidance and insight, helping us to navigate life's challenges, much like the wise counsel of a mentor or spiritual leader, as described in Proverbs 27:9.
How can we cultivate the ability to be a man of understanding, as described in this verse?
We can cultivate the ability to be a man of understanding by seeking wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5, and by practicing empathy, compassion, and active listening in our relationships with others, as demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 13:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'deep waters' in my own heart that I have not yet fully understood or acknowledged?
- How can I seek to be a man of understanding in my relationships with others, and what benefits might this bring to those around me?
- What role does prayer and seeking God's guidance play in helping me to understand the intentions of my own heart and the hearts of those around me?
- In what ways can I create a safe and supportive environment for others to share their thoughts and feelings, and how might this help to 'draw out' their intentions and deeper desires?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water,.... Pure and undisturbed, but secret, hidden, and hard to be come at: such are the things of the spirit of a man, the thoughts of his mind, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:5
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
Counsel; either, 1. Wisdom or ability to give good counsel; or, 2. Designs or purposes of doing something of moment; for this word is frequently used in both senses, but the last seems fittest here. Is like deep water; either, 1. Is there in great abundance; or, 2. Is secret and hard to be discovered. Will draw it out, by prudent questions and discourses, and a diligent observation of his words and actions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man [is like] deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.Ver. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.] See Proverbs 18:4. As the red rose, though outwardly not so fragrant, is inwardly far more cordial than the damask rose, being more thrifty of its sweetness, and reserving it in itself; so it is with many good Christians. But a man of understanding will draw it out.] And surely this is a fine skill to be able to pierce a man that is like a vessel full of wine, and to set him a running.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
(5) Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.—The wise thoughts of a “man,” fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
Verse 5. Counsel in the heart of man] Men of the deepest and most comprehensive minds are rarely apt, unsolicited, to join in any discourse, in which they might appear even to the greatest advantage; but a man of understanding will elicit this, by questions framed for the purpose, and thus pump up the salubrious waters from the deep and capacious well. The metaphor is fine and expressive.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:5
5. will draw it out] as from a well, as the Queen of Sheba did, 1 Kings 10.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:5
The contest between reticence on the one side and pertinacity in search on the other is represented as by a parable.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:5
5. Counsel in the heart — The purposes, plans, which a man may form and keep secret. Is like deep water — Difficult to be fathomed, or found out. But a man of understanding — An intelligent, prudent, shrewd man.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Good Out of Evil by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome reflects on the deep inner struggles he faced, leading to bitter grief and physical wasting away, until he realized that his thoughts could lead to a blessed immort |
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Deeper by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the parable of the sower, emphasizing the importance of having deep, honest hearts to receive God's Word. He contrasts shallow individuals, easily swa |
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John's Gospel - Streams of Living Water by John Vissers | In this sermon, the speaker describes a significant event in the Gospel of John that took place during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. The festival was a time of celebration |
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Jesus, the Fountain of Living Water by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker shares a testimony of a man who was imprisoned in Cambodia and sang a song about having a river of life flowing out of him. The speaker then discusses h |
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The Apostolic Church by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the true manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the church, contrasting it with the misuse of charismatic gifts. It d |
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How to Enter in the Spiritual Reality by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the seven basic laws to entering into spiritual reality. He emphasizes the importance of having a vital relationship with God and maintaining |
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The Witness of One Man by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is fully surrendered to God, drawing insights from the book of Job and other biblical examples. It highlights the need t |