Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 20:5

"Counsel in the heart of man is [like] deep water; But a man of understanding will draw it out." — Proverbs 20:5 (ASV)

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water. —The wise thoughts of a "man," appropriately so-called , may be hidden deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as with a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).