The intentions of a man’s heart are deep watersThis 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 inProverbs 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.
SolomonTraditionally 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 ManThis 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 HeartIn 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 WatersThis metaphor suggests something profound, hidden, and not easily accessible, representing the complexity and depth of human intentions.
5.
UnderstandingThe Hebrew word for understanding ("tevunah") implies insight, discernment, and the ability to perceive beyond the surface.
Teaching Points
The Complexity of the Human HeartThe heart's intentions are not always clear or straightforward. Like deep waters, they require careful exploration and discernment.
The Role of Wisdom and UnderstandingA 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 WisdomBelievers 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 RelationshipsIn relationships, whether personal or professional, understanding the intentions of others can lead to healthier interactions and prevent misunderstandings.
Self-Reflection and GrowthRegular self-examination in light of Scripture helps believers align their intentions with God's will, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:5?
2.How can we draw out the "deep waters" of a person's heart?
3.What role does discernment play in understanding Proverbs 20:5?
4.How does Proverbs 20:5 connect with James 1:5 about seeking wisdom?
5.In what ways can we cultivate the "insight" mentioned in Proverbs 20:5?
6.How can Proverbs 20:5 guide us in mentoring others effectively?
7.What does Proverbs 20:5 reveal about the nature of human intentions and understanding?
8.How does Proverbs 20:5 challenge our perception of wisdom and discernment?
9.In what ways does Proverbs 20:5 emphasize the importance of seeking counsel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20?
11.What defines Person-Centered Therapy?
12.How is lust defined?
13.In Romans 12:21, does 'overcoming evil with good' clash with accounts in Scripture where violence and punishment appear sanctioned by God?
14.What does the Bible say about perverseness?What Does Proverbs 20:5 Mean
Intentions of a man’s heart“The intentions of a man’s heart…” (Proverbs 20:5) points us straight to what drives a person.
• Scripture treats the heart as the control center of thought and will (Matthew 12:34;Luke 6:45).
• Because the heart is naturally bent toward self-interest, “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).
• God alone sees every motive: “the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
Deep waters“…are deep waters.”
• Deep water in Proverbs pictures something hard to reach, dark, and potentially dangerous (Proverbs 18:4).
• Motives often lie hidden even from ourselves; David had to ask, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23).
• Like the ocean depths, motives can be both rich and treacherous—full of potential yet capable of concealing sin (James 3:14-15).
Man of understanding“…but a man of understanding…”
• Understanding is a gift of God that begins with revering Him (Proverbs 9:10).
• Such a person develops discernment through Scripture (Psalm 119:104) and prayer-shaped observation (Philippians 1:9-10).
• He or she is marked by humility, recognizing limits yet relying on the Lord’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Draws them out“…draws them out.”
• The wording pictures lowering a bucket into a well and patiently lifting water to the surface.
• Practically, the discerning person draws out motives by:
– Listening carefully (James 1:19)
– Asking gentle, honest questions (Proverbs 20:5 is often paired with 18:13)
– Weighing words against truth (1 John 4:1)
– Comparing actions with professed beliefs (Matthew 7:20)
• This work is redemptive, aiming to expose sin for healing (Ephesians 5:13) and to call forth God-honoring desires (Hebrews 10:24).
Practical application• For ourselves: invite the Spirit to reveal hidden motives (Psalm 19:12).
• For others: approach conversations with patience and grace, seeking understanding more than winning arguments (Colossians 4:6).
• For the church: cultivate environments where truth and transparency flourish, so deep waters become living water (John 7:38).
summaryProverbs 20:5 teaches that human motives are naturally obscured, like water far below a surface no eye can see. Yet God equips the wise to plumb those depths—first in their own hearts, then in the lives of others—through patient, discerning, Spirit-led engagement.
(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 intentionsעֵצָ֣ה(‘ê·ṣāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098:Advice, plan, prudenceof a man’sאִ֑ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personheartבְלֶב־(ḇə·leḇ-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centreare deepעֲ֭מֻקִּים(‘ă·muq·qîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6013:Deepwaters,מַ֣יִם(ma·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenbut a manוְאִ֖ישׁ(wə·’îš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof understandingתְּבוּנָ֣ה(tə·ḇū·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8394:Intelligence, an argument, capricedraws 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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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man (Prov. Pro Pr) 
