Parallel Verses
Amplified
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
New American Standard Bible
King James Version
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Holman Bible
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
International Standard Version
The words a man says are as deep waters a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
A Conservative Version
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters. The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
American Standard Version
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
Bible in Basic English
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Darby Translation
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.
Julia Smith Translation
Deep waters are the words of man's mouth, the fountain of wisdom a gushing stream.
King James 2000
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom like a flowing brook.
Lexham Expanded Bible
Deep waters [are] words of the mouth of a man; a gushing stream [is] a fountain of wisdom.
Modern King James verseion
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters; and the well of wisdom is like a full stream.
NET Bible
The words of a person's mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
New Heart English Bible
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
The Emphasized Bible
Deep waters, are the words of a man's mouth, - a bubbling brook, the well-spring of wisdom.
Webster
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
World English Bible
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
Youngs Literal Translation
Deep waters are the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
Themes
Brooks » Illustrative » Of wisdom
Fountains and springs » Illustrative » Of spiritual wisdom
Speech/communication » The words of the wise
Water » Illustrative » (deep,) of the words of the wise of the wise
Topics
Interlinear
Peh
Mayim
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 18:4
Verse Info
Context Readings
How Fools Live
3
When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,
And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
To show respect to the wicked person is not good,
Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.
Cross References
Proverbs 20:5
A plan (motive, wise counsel) in the heart of a man is like water in a deep well,
But a man of understanding draws it out.
Psalm 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable [to instruct using examples];
I will utter dark and puzzling sayings of old [that contain important truth]—
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life and his words of wisdom are a source of blessing,
But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence and evil.
Proverbs 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life,
So that one may avoid the snares of death.
Proverbs 16:22
Understanding (spiritual insight) is a [refreshing and boundless] wellspring of life to those who have it,
But to give instruction and correction to fools is foolishness.
Matthew 12:34
John 4:14
John 7:38-39
Colossians 3:16
Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].