Topical Bible: Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise

◄ Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, water often symbolizes life, purification, and divine wisdom. The phrase "deep waters" is particularly evocative, suggesting profound truths and insights that lie beneath the surface, accessible only to those who seek wisdom earnestly.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

Water is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, representing both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. In the arid landscapes of the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, essential for survival and prosperity. This physical necessity is mirrored in the spiritual realm, where water symbolizes the life-giving and cleansing power of God's Word and wisdom.

Proverbs and the Deep Waters of Wisdom

The Book of Proverbs, a key source of biblical wisdom literature, frequently uses water imagery to convey the depth and richness of wise counsel. Proverbs 18:4 states, "The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook." Here, the "deep waters" suggest that the words of the wise are not superficial but contain layers of meaning and insight that require contemplation and understanding.

This imagery underscores the idea that wisdom is not easily attained; it requires effort and discernment to draw out its full benefits. Just as one must delve into deep waters to find hidden treasures, so must one engage deeply with the words of the wise to uncover their true value.

The Role of Wisdom in the Life of Believers

In the Christian tradition, wisdom is more than intellectual knowledge; it is a divine gift that guides believers in righteous living. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This verse highlights the accessibility of divine wisdom to those who earnestly seek it, much like drawing water from a deep well.

Jesus and the Living Water

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often associated with the concept of living water, which offers eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. In John 4:14 , Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." This passage illustrates the transformative power of Christ's teachings, which provide a source of spiritual sustenance that quenches the deepest thirst of the soul.

Conclusion

The metaphor of "deep waters" in relation to the words of the wise serves as a powerful reminder of the depth and richness of biblical wisdom. It calls believers to seek understanding and insight with diligence and humility, recognizing that true wisdom is a divine gift that leads to a life of righteousness and fulfillment. As one navigates the complexities of life, the deep waters of wisdom offer guidance and clarity, drawing believers closer to the heart of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chastity the Chief Ornament of the True Tabernacle; Seven
... and winged creatures, and creatures that swim, from the water. ... a proverb, and the
interpretation; the words of the ... that they do not perceive the deep things of ...
/.../chapter i chastity the chief ornament.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... to put their ruling wish into plain words, many who ... in his biography that he ever
had the deep inward devotion ... The water lapped up in the palm, as the soldier ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

Of Divine Wisdom.
... Wisdom is discovered in the works and words of the wise ... his doings, like a quiet
and still water, in which ... Holiness does not consist in forming deep and subtle ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xvii of divine wisdom.htm

Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment.
... are comforters on earth who can help thee with wise words and noble ... Water of
Life"Sermons ... Not one of deep speculation, quiet thoughts, and bright visions; but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/iv out of the deep.htm

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... For it is written, A wise man will hold his tongue until the time ... hand, in a good
sense it is said again, The words of a man's mouth are as deep water (Ibid. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

He Then once More Excellently, Appropriately, and Clearly Examines ...
... of the earth under heavens," not plunging deep in earthly ... fluid of destruction in
place of pure water, and if ... in us;"and faith, according to the words of Paul ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then once.htm

The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus
... must needs come often to the living water yourselves, and ... I feel that I must borrow
Pilate's words, and cry ... with Jesus largely flows along the great deep of his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the private thoughts and words.htm

The Water of Life;
... The words that I ... but up to the ankles (Ezekiel 47:3,4). But what is ankle-deep to
that ... He that refuses this water now, shall not have so much as will hang upon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. "
... to provide as far as possible good air, good water, good dwellings ... Him who was "God
manifest in the flesh." To use the deep and mysterious words quoted from ...
/.../chapter ii colossians 4 14 luke.htm

Book iii. The Words of the Lord, I in the Father...
... They who poured expect water to be drawn; they who ... the earth, laid the foundations
of the deep; because in ... days, and condemned through him in the words, I will ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iii the words of.htm