Springs in the Fall

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

At lunch one day we were talking about “secret knowledge” of the cults and modern gnostics.  This verse could refer to the arrogance of men who think that what they say is so “deep” (6013).  You can contrast that to God’s “wisdom” (2451) being available and rising to the surface through hard rock.  We usually use the idea of being a deep thinker as a compliment.  This would cast some doubt on that.

This might be a verse directed specifically toward bloggers.  I marvel at how bloggers are impressed with their own opinions.  I would certainly include myself in that.  I don’t know how many times in editing I have gone back and removed the most pompous comments.  The less arrogant I don’t even notice.  Have you ever been talking to someone and suddenly realized you sound like you know it all.  We have a tendency to think we are a source of “deep” (6013) “waters” (4325) and we think that is important because the water is murky. 

In our world people combine arrogance and deception in the use of jargon and concocted words.  As a teacher I get a steady diet of this and I am sure parents get tired of it.  You see it in government, medicine, law and food preparation. 

What we see here is a contrast between “words” (1697) and “wisdom” (2451), not a comparison.  Proverbs is trying to get us to see the difference between our thinking and the mind of God.  Are these the same words used other places?  At times God’s wisdom is called the “word”.

Gods words, wisdom, are equated with a “wellspring” (fountain NASB) (4726).  A “fountain” seems more alive.  Water is flexible and alive.  It always adapts to its surroundings.  Volume does not change but shape does.  There are all kinds of applications here.  A fountain has a hidden source, a fountain is water that has been seeking an outlet.  The water may have come from miles away, traveling under impervious rock to find a crack.  The same way God’s wisdom may travel mysteriously past hard hearts until it finds one that will give it expression.

So?  Two things come to mind immediately.  First, look at your own motives for talking.  Keep it honest.  You represent the holy God of the universe.  As someone said years ago, you are the only Bible some people will ever read.  Second, immerse yourself in the wisdom of God.  Let him be the source of your ideas and opinions.