The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water. – Proverbs 20:5
Have you ever had to draw water from a well? Running water is standard in most modern houses in the U.S., even if its source is a well. But, in the Old Testament, if you wanted water, you had to drop a bucket down a deep hole, allow the water to fill it, and then hoist it to the surface. If you had talked to someone back then about “deep water,” they would likely have pictured a well.
Today’s verse compares the “purpose” of man’s heart to deep water. Other translations use the word “advice” in place of “purpose,” which may make this proverb easier to understand. Deep water is a metaphor for something unseen, sheltered, and hidden, like that of a well. So the proverb indicates that the motivations, intentions, and the advice, or wisdom, that someone has received and valued are hidden deep within them. It takes a person with solid understanding to be able to draw it out of them.
What is in your “deep water?“ Is your well clean and pure, full of God’s truths? Or has it become polluted and in need of “cleaning out?” Do you know how to draw the motivations and values out of another person’s heart? Ask the Lord to guide you in keeping your “well” and in assisting others. Pray over the public servants of the United States, that they may seek out and be surrounded by solid advice rooted in God and His Word.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 20:5
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
