“The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.”
In plain words: What a person truly wants and plans is hidden deep inside, like water far down in a well, and a wise, caring person knows how to bring it up.
What Proverbs 20:5 means.
The purposes in a person’s heart are like deep waters, and a person of understanding draws them out.
Common questions about Proverbs 20:5
What does "deep waters" mean here?
Deep water is hard to see into. You can look at the surface and still have no idea how far down it goes. The verse says a person's plans, wants, and reasons are like that. What people say out loud is only the top layer. Underneath are hopes, fears, and goals they may not have shared, and sometimes may not fully understand themselves. The Bible also says God knows every part of us, so nothing in the heart is hidden from Him. [[Psalm 139:1-4]]
Apply it today: Pause today and ask yourself what you really want underneath one thing you are chasing.
How do I draw out what is in someone's heart?
Picture pulling water up from a well. It takes patience and a steady hand. The verse points to a person of understanding, someone wise and careful. In daily life, that means listening more than talking, asking good questions, and truly hearing the answers. The Bible says to be quick to listen and slow to speak. [[James 1:19]] Another proverb warns that answering before you have listened is foolish and shameful. [[Proverbs 18:13]] Real understanding starts with real attention.
Apply it today: Ask someone you care about how they are really doing, then listen until they finish without interrupting.
Does this mean I should push people to share their secrets?
No. A well gives water when you lower the bucket gently, not when you slam it down. People open up when they feel safe, and they get to choose when. Understanding includes kindness and respect. The Bible describes love as patient and kind, and as something that does not insist on its own way. [[1 Corinthians 13:4-5]] Ask a caring question, then give space. If someone is not ready, that is okay. Being a trustworthy friend matters more than getting answers.
Apply it today: Offer a kind, open question to someone, and accept it graciously if they would rather wait to talk.
Ask anything about it.
Every question gets a clear answer in seconds, and a way to live it today.
Live it today.
Ask a wise friend to help you think through what God has put in your heart.
Pray it back.
Father, draw out the purposes You’ve placed deep in my heart.
Carry it all day.
Put today’s verse on your lock screen, so every time you pick up your phone, the Word is the first thing you see.
On iPhone: open the image, tap Share, then Use as Wallpaper. On Android: open it and set it as your lock screen.
One verse every morning at 7 a.m. your time. Leave any time.