Read Proverbs 20
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 NIV
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In a warning about the dangers of gossip, Solomon tells his son to "avoid a man who talks too much." (20:19) But he also stresses the value of drawing a quiet man out, because that person may have valuable observations to make. Solomon observes, "Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel." (20:15)
Sometimes that rare jewel may be on the lips of a child, for God says that even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. (20:11) The Psalmist prophesied, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2)
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Lord, help me to stop long enough to draw out a quiet friend or child. Help me to listen closely and then encourage that person to share her heart. God cares about my innermost thoughts, for “the lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.” (20:27) and I should care enough to listen carefully to what someone has to say.
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“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:4–5 NKJV
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