Proverbs 18:4 ASV

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:1-24

Chapter 18Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 18:1-24

Proverbs 18:1 . Through desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. יתגלע yithgalâ; this word occurs but thrice, and only in the book of Proverbs; viz. here, and in Proverbs 17:14; Proverbs 20:3. Solomon might have introduced it from some other nation. Rabbi Ezra says, it designates a man who travels for the acquisition of wisdom, and devotes himself to literature. Rabbi Levi gives the word a speculative turn, of one devoted to metaphysical studies,... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 18:4

Proverbs 18:4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters. The importance of languageLanguage is one of the principal tests and standards of civilisation. The study of language is one of the most naturally interesting and naturally elevating studies with which the human mind can occupy itself.I. It is of great intellectual importance. Only through the instrumentality of language can the thoughts of the mind be revealed and displayed. Nothing bewrays more obviously the rustiness and... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:4

Pro 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook. Ver. 4. The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters.] Fitly are the words of the wise resembled to waters, saith one, inasmuch as they both wash the minds of the hearers, that the foulness of sin remain not therein, and water them in such sort that they faint not, nor wither by a drought and burning desire of heavenly doctrine. Now these words of the wise are of two sorts - some are... read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Proverbs 18:4

words: Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 13:14, Proverbs 16:22, Proverbs 20:5, Matthew 12:34, John 4:14, John 7:38, John 7:39, Colossians 3:16, Colossians 4:6 the wellspring: Psalms 78:2 Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 9:2 - all Proverbs 18:21 - Death Matthew 13:52 - which read more

John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Proverbs 18:4

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.A man's — A wise man's.As a brook — That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:4

4. A flowing brook A gushing stream. The clause may be rendered: “The words of a man’s mouth are a gushing stream, a fountain of wisdom.” Though it is not expressed, the proverb implies (see second clause) that the words are those of a wise man, from whose mind, as from an inexhaustible fountain, flow continually excellent lessons of instruction. Comp. Proverbs 10:11; Proverbs 20:5; Ecclesiastes 7:24. read more