משלי, פרק כ׳, פסוק ה׳

The human mind is a vast reservoir of thoughts, plans, and wisdom, but the most refined and profound ideas do not simply float on the surface. They remain hidden in the depths of the heart, requiring skill, patience, and a sharp mind to bring them into the light. This inner counsel represents the unique ability to sift through a flood of thoughts to find the best and most effective path toward a goal [מלבי״ם]. Such inner wisdom is compared to deep water. Just as water at the bottom of a well is cold, pure, and crystal clear because no human foot has muddied it, the counsel resting deep within the heart is perfectly pure and clear [אבן עזרא]. Yet, just like water trapped at the bottom of a deep well, this inner wisdom is hidden from sight and exceptionally difficult to reach [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד].

The process of drawing out these deep waters can be understood in a few distinct ways. One approach focuses on an internal journey of self-discovery. Every person possesses profound intellectual potential, but worldly desires often leave this wisdom dormant. Sometimes, the inner counsel is buried so deeply that it remains unclear even to the person holding it [עמנואל הרומי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A person of understanding actively explores their own mind. Just as drawing water from a deep well requires tying rope to rope to lower a bucket to the spring, this person uses the tools of logic. By carefully linking one conclusion to another and deducing one concept from the next, they manage to draw pure truth up to the surface and turn potential into reality [מלבי״ם, רלב״ג, עמנואל הרומי].

Alternatively, this dynamic describes a relationship between two people. Often, a wise individual will keep their plans and counsel hidden deep within their heart. A person of understanding is a clever companion who interacts with them. Through attentive conversation, carefully guided questions, and the linking of small details, they manage to uncover their friend's hidden thoughts. Working gradually, they first draw out the information available on the surface, using it as a pathway to reach and reveal the deeper counsel hidden at the bottom [אלשיך, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Building on this interpersonal dynamic, the process can also describe the relationship between a teacher and a student, or between a wise mentor and someone in need of guidance. In this scenario, the deep waters symbolize the law or wisdom stored in the heart of the mentor. The person of understanding is the perceptive student. Rather than acting impulsively, the student approaches the wise mentor and uses their intellect and thoughtful questions to draw out and absorb the deep wisdom from their teacher [רש״י, אבן עזרא, עמנואל הרומי].