Proverbs 20:5 - Wine is a Mocker

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Context

Wine is a Mocker
…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?…

Cross References

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.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.Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.Matthew 12:34-35
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.Romans 8:27
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.1 Kings 3:9-12
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.Ecclesiastes 7:25
I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Psalm 64:6
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

1 Corinthians 2:11
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

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Proverbs 20

The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters
This phrase suggests that the true motives and desires within a person's heart are complex and not easily discerned. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will (Jeremiah 17:9). The metaphor of "deep waters" implies depth, mystery, and sometimes danger, as deep waters can be treacherous and difficult to navigate. In ancient Near Eastern culture, water was both a source of life and a symbol of chaos, reflecting the dual nature of the human heart. The Bible frequently uses water imagery to convey spiritual truths, such as in Psalm 42:7, where deep calls to deep, indicating profound spiritual experiences or emotions.

but a man of understanding draws them out
This part of the verse highlights the value of wisdom and discernment. A "man of understanding" refers to someone who possesses insight and the ability to perceive beyond the surface. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:2-5, where seeking understanding is equated with seeking the knowledge of God. The act of "drawing out" suggests a careful and deliberate process, akin to drawing water from a well, which requires effort and skill. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in the New Testament, is portrayed as the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding (Colossians 2:3). Jesus often revealed the true intentions of people's hearts, as seen in His interactions with the Pharisees and His disciples.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human nature and godly living are reflected throughout the book of Proverbs.

2. The Wise Man
This refers to the person of understanding mentioned in the verse, who is able to discern and draw out the deep intentions of the heart.

3. The Heart
In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. It is the source of intentions and motivations.

4. Deep Waters
This metaphor suggests something profound, hidden, and not easily accessible, representing the complexity and depth of human intentions.

5. Understanding
The Hebrew word for understanding ("tevunah") implies insight, discernment, and the ability to perceive beyond the surface.

Teaching Points

The Complexity of the Human Heart
The heart's intentions are not always clear or straightforward. Like deep waters, they require careful exploration and discernment.

The Role of Wisdom and Understanding
A person of understanding, equipped with godly wisdom, can discern and draw out the true intentions of the heart. This requires patience, insight, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Seeking God’s Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God to understand their own hearts and the hearts of others. This involves prayer, study of Scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Practical Discernment in Relationships
In relationships, whether personal or professional, understanding the intentions of others can lead to healthier interactions and prevent misunderstandings.

Self-Reflection and Growth
Regular self-examination in light of Scripture helps believers align their intentions with God's will, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20What defines Person-Centered Therapy?How is lust defined?In Romans 12:21, does 'overcoming evil with good' clash with accounts in Scripture where violence and punishment appear sanctioned by God?What does the Bible say about perverseness?

(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).

Verse 5. - Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water. The thoughts and purposes of a man are hidden in his breast like deep water (Proverbs 18:4) in the bosom of the earth, hard to fathom, hard to get. But a man of understanding will draw it out. One who is intelligent and understands human nature penetrates the secret, and, by judicious questions and remarks, draws out (ἐξαντλήσει, Septuagint) the hidden thought. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The intentions
עֵצָ֣ה (‘ê·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

of a man’s
אִ֑ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

heart
בְלֶב־ (ḇə·leḇ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

are deep
עֲ֭מֻקִּים (‘ă·muq·qîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6013: Deep

waters,
מַ֣יִם (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

but a man
וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of understanding
תְּבוּנָ֣ה (tə·ḇū·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394: Intelligence, an argument, caprice

draws them out.
יִדְלֶֽנָּה׃ (yiḏ·len·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1802: To dangle, to let down a, bucket, to deliver

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