The Deep Waters of the Heart (Proverbs 20:5)
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Proverbs 20:5
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Theologian Charles Bridges on this verse says:
‘The depths in the heart of man are not easily fathomed. Often they are the subtlety of evil. David was duped by the smooth promises of Saul, and afterwards by the religious hypocrisy of his ungodly son. The counsel of Daniel's enemies was too deep for Darius to see the bottom of it. The counsel of Herod probably blinded the wise men as to his real intentions.’
I like that this verse addresses something I can empathize with often: People are complicated! And so am I! I think part of the reason why it’s so hard to discern the purposes of others’ hearts is because we cannot even discern our own!
It reminds me of back when I’d play against a really wild pitcher in baseball. I didn’t know where any pitch was going, which was terrifying, but neither did the pitcher! What made him dangerous wasn’t that he had a plan – it was that even he didn’t know what was coming next. They were the ultimate wild card. And so is the human heart.
The point is this verse gives a diagnosis: the human heart is deep, mysterious, often self-deceiving.
But it also offers a remedy: understanding can draw it out.
So, ‘The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out.’
There’s hope here! Those who are wise can discern the motives of the heart.
They ask really great and intentional questions. They go one step further in conversation. Best of all, they pray.
They pray because they know they have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. They drop their bucket in prayer, knowing it hits no bottom – but the water rises to meet them. They pray because they know the One who gives water welling up to eternal life. Only the Spirit of Christ dives deep enough to find the treasures – or the traps – of the heart.
And here’s a grace of a verse like this: God rarely gives insight in isolation. The deep waters of the heart often rise only when stirred by another’s loving oar. We need others – not just to understand them, but to help us understand ourselves. Sometimes the clearest voice of Christ comes not in your own head, but through a friend who loves you enough to ask hard questions.
Today in reflection I’ll ask you:
Where have you seen the deep waters of your own heart surprise you – for better or worse?
Is there someone God might be using right now to help you see your heart more clearly? Are you listening?
Let’s take whatever surfaced just now – the questions, the memories, the faces – and drop the bucket together in prayer.
