Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 20:5 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. "
Proverbs 20:5
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
7 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.
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A person’s wisdom is useful in dealing with other people and in drawing things out of them. First, it helps him get to know them. Even when people hide their plans and keep their thoughts deep down, like water too deep to measure, there are some who can bring out what they have done and what they mean to do by careful hints and questions that seem unrelated. So anyone who wants to keep a secret must do more than show determination, he must also stay alert and guard himself.
Second, wisdom helps a person learn from others. Some people are very fit to give good advice. They have a sharp sense for handling hard problems and giving practical counsel, but they are modest, reserved, and not talkative. They have a great deal to offer, but it is slow to come out. In that case, a person of understanding will draw it out, like wine from a vessel. We often miss the benefit of wise people because we do not know how to ask good questions.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
Proverbs 20:2
"The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life."
Proverbs 20:3
"It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling."
Proverbs 20:4
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing."
Proverbs 20:6
"Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?"
Proverbs 20:7
"A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him."
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