Proverbs 18:4
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The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
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How deep and flowing are you? A wise man has a deep reservoir of profound wisdom, which produces words of prudent counsel to help others. His soul sends forth a steady flow of wisdom, which is a tree of life to many. This proverb is not about just any man, but rather it is about a wise man, which comparing the two clauses clearly shows. Only a wise man's mouth feeds knowledge to others (15:7; 16:23; Eccl 10:12; Ps 37:30-31).
The proverb has two beautiful metaphors. The first one declares that a wise man's words are like deep waters. What can we learn by this comparison? His wisdom is deep: it is not just a superficial view of things (John 7:24: Is 11:1-4). His wisdom is plentiful: he can help with many different dilemmas (Job 29:21-25; Matt 13:52). And only understanding men can draw it out, for a wise man is not easily persuaded to speak (20:5; 17:27).
The second metaphor compares a wise man's words to a wellspring that produces a flowing brook. A wellspring is the source or headspring of a stream, a fountainhead. As a brook supplies water to prosper the lower lands, so a wise man speaks to prosper those around him. His mouth is a well of life (10:11). His instruction is a fountain of life (13:14). He feeds many (10:21). He is health and a tree of life to others (12:18; 15:4).
Solomon had largeness of heart and wisdom above all others (I Kgs 4:29-34). He could speak on any subject, including trees. Men from the courts of all the kings of the earth came to hear his wisdom. But Solomon's Son, Jesus Christ, was greater than Solomon. When Jesus spoke, people were astonished by both His authority and graciousness (Matt 7:28-29; Luke 4:22). And He could shut His enemies' mouths at will (Matt 22:46).
How deep and flowing are you? Have you learned the words of truth in order to give certain answers to those that ask (22:17-21)? Have you meditated on God's word to be able to answer enemies, teachers, and the ancients (Ps 119:98-100)? Do you study before answering a new matter (15:28)? Have you learned how to answer every man graciously (Col 4:6)? Have you shown your excellent spirit by restraining your speech (17:27)?
Have you sanctified the Lord God by exalting Him in your heart, so you can give a sound reason for your hope (I Pet 3:15)? Do you trust Scripture as being sufficient to make the man of God perfect (II Tim 3:16-17)? Do you love others enough to discover their needs and help them (I Thess 5:14; Heb 3:12-13)? Are you spiritual enough to save those who are weak around you (Gal 6:1; Jas 5:19-20)? Can you speak about the things of God to others, especially your children and grandchildren (Ps 71:14-18; 78:1-8; Mal 3:16)?
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