From the mouths of babes comes wisdom, or so the saying goes. It’s no secret that children have a unique perspective on the world, unencumbered by the biases and preconceptions of adulthood. But what can we learn from the things that children say? As it turns out, quite a lot.
Throughout history, there have been countless examples of children who have said things that have had a profound impact on the world. From the young girl who inspired a movement for education in Pakistan to the boy who helped to change the world’s understanding of autism, children have a way of cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter. In many cases, their words have been a catalyst for change, inspiring adults to take action and make a difference in the world.
As Christians, we believe that all people are created in the image of God and that each person has a unique purpose and calling in life. Children are no exception to this. In fact, Jesus himself said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, NKJV). By listening to the things that children say and taking them seriously, we can learn more about ourselves, our world, and our place in it.
The Origin of the Phrase
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The phrase “from the mouths of babes” is a well-known English cliché that refers to the wisdom and truth that can come from the innocent and unfiltered words of children. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have biblical roots.
In Psalm 8:2 of the NKJV version of the Bible, it says, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.” This verse suggests that God can use even the simplest and most innocent of voices to accomplish great things and silence those who oppose Him.
The phrase has since become a common expression in English literature and speech, and is often used to describe moments when children say something profound or insightful beyond their years.
It is worth noting that the phrase is not always used in a literal sense. It can also refer to the idea that sometimes the simplest and most straightforward solution to a problem can come from a fresh perspective or a new way of thinking, much like the unfiltered words of a child.
Overall, the phrase “from the mouths of babes” has become a powerful symbol of the potential for wisdom and truth to come from unexpected sources, and serves as a reminder to always keep an open mind and be willing to listen to those around us, regardless of their age or background.
Biblical References
The Bible contains numerous references to the wisdom and insight that can come from the mouths of babes. These references can be found in both the Old and New Testaments.
Old Testament References
In Psalm 8:2 (NIV), it is written, “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” This verse suggests that even the youngest among us can offer praise and worship to God, and that this praise can be powerful enough to overcome our enemies.
New Testament References
In Matthew 21:16 (NKJV), Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 when he says, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise.” This statement was made in response to the Pharisees, who were upset that children were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David” as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Jesus was essentially saying that the children’s praise was pure and genuine, and that it was a beautiful thing.
Another New Testament reference to the wisdom of children can be found in Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV), where Jesus tells his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This passage suggests that children have a special kind of humility and innocence that can be a model for adults.
Other Translations
Other translations of the Bible also contain references to the wisdom of children. The NLT version of Matthew 21:16 says, “You have taught children and infants to give you praise,” while the NASB version says, “From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have prepared praise for Yourself.” The Douay-Rheims Bible translates the passage as, “Thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger.”
The English Revised Version, the Septuagint, the World English Bible, and Young’s Literal Translation all contain similar translations of these verses.
In summary, the Bible contains several references to the wisdom and insight that can come from the mouths of babes. These references suggest that even the youngest among us can offer praise and worship to God, and that their humility and innocence can be a model for adults.
Children’s Unexpected Wisdom
Children have a way of surprising us with their unexpectedly wise insights. Despite being young and not having as much life experience as adults, they often have a wise head on their shoulders that can leave us in awe.
It’s as if they are not born yesterday, but have a deeper understanding of the world around them than we give them credit for. Perhaps it’s beginner’s luck or the fact that they are new to the game of life, but their insights can be gems that we can learn from.
In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This verse reminds us that we can learn from the innocence, purity, and wisdom of children.
One example of children’s unexpected wisdom is their ability to forgive. Children are quick to forgive and move on from conflicts, whereas adults can often hold grudges and let anger fester. We can learn from their ability to let go of hurt and forgive others.
Another example is their ability to find joy in the simple things in life. Children can find happiness in playing with a toy or spending time with loved ones, while adults can often get caught up in the stresses of life. We can learn from their ability to appreciate the small things in life and find joy in them.
In conclusion, children’s unexpected wisdom can be a reminder to us to look at the world with fresh eyes and an open heart. We can learn from their insights and apply them to our own lives.
The Power of Innocent Words
Children have a unique way of seeing the world. Their innocence and lack of filters can often lead to profound insights and perspectives that adults may overlook. As the saying goes, “out of the mouths of babes.”
In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). This does not mean we should act childish, but rather we should approach God with the same innocence and trust that children have.
One way that children can teach us about the power of innocent words is through their praise. In Psalm 8:2, it says, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise.” Children have a natural inclination to praise and worship God without any ulterior motives or hidden agendas. Their praise is pure and perfect.
Another way that children can teach us about the power of innocent words is through their honesty. Children have not yet learned to speak down to others or sugarcoat their words. They speak the truth as they see it, which can sometimes be uncomfortable for adults. However, this honesty can also be refreshing and lead to deeper relationships.
Innocent words can also have a profound impact on those around us. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” When we speak with innocence and purity, our words can be like precious jewels that bring joy and encouragement to those who hear them.
In conclusion, the power of innocent words should not be underestimated. Children can teach us about the beauty of perfected praise, the importance of honesty, and the impact of our words. Let us strive to approach God and others with the same innocence and purity that children possess.
From the Mouths of Babes in Modern Times
In today’s world, we often find ourselves amazed by the wisdom and insight that comes out of the mouths of young children. Whether it’s a profound observation or a simple yet profound truth, children have a way of cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of the matter.
One example of this is the popular YouTube channel “Kid President,” which features a young boy named Robby Novak delivering inspirational messages to his viewers. His videos have millions of views and have inspired countless people to make a positive difference in the world.
It’s not just famous children who have a way with words, though. In our everyday lives, we often hear children say things that are both profound and amusing. Whether it’s a child’s innocent observation about the world around them or a hilarious quip that catches us off guard, children have a way of bringing joy and insight into our lives.
As Christians, we can learn a lot from the wisdom of children. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This reminds us to approach life with childlike wonder and humility, and to be open to the wisdom that comes from unexpected sources.
In conclusion, the words of children can often be a source of inspiration, wisdom, and joy in our lives. Whether it’s through famous figures like Kid President and Greta Thunberg or through the everyday observations of the children in our lives, we can learn a lot from the perspective of the young.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the saying “from the mouths of babes” holds a lot of truth. Children have an innate ability to speak the truth without any filters or biases. They can be brutally honest and say things that adults may not want to hear. However, this truthfulness can also be a double-edged sword. Children may not always have the maturity or preparedness to handle certain situations or conversations.
As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means that while we should strive for honesty, we should also be mindful of how our words may affect others. We should also be prepared to handle the consequences of speaking the truth. This is where maturity comes into play.
Maturity is not just about age, but also about emotional intelligence and wisdom. As we grow in our faith, we should also strive to grow in maturity. This means being able to discern when to speak and when to remain silent, as well as being able to handle difficult conversations with grace and compassion.
In summary, while the truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is important to speak it in a way that is both loving and mature. As we navigate through life, we can learn a lot from the honesty of children, while also striving to grow in our own maturity and preparedness.
From the Mouths of Babes: The Wisdom of Children
The innocence of childhood can be a refreshing pause from the everyday hustle and bustle of adult life. It also offers a unique, delicate perspective into the beautiful complexities of the world around us. Children often have a way of cutting through the mundane, overtly-complicated parts of life and shining a light onto the deeper, more meaningful elements, reminding us to embrace the little things and find value in simple moments. The wisdom of children so often goes unrecognized and underrated, a source of knowledge often underestimated and overlooked.
Children see the world through pure, honest eyes, possessing the unique ability to discover the beauty in imperfection. They often explore the world through their own joy, creativity, openness and innocence. Children remind us to appreciate the brilliance of the small things, the beauty of the everyday noises that fill our lives and the smell of the simplest of plant blossoms. It is as if they have a direct line to the immense beauty of everything around them.
Their inherent wisdom lets us approach the challenges and pressures of adult life with a sense of playfulness and hope, inspiring us to find joy in the most challenging moments and to never stop exploring. With their unique, simple view of life, they often encourage us to seek out our own identity separate from the rest of the world – to make our own rules and to create our own definitions of success.
The knowledge and insight that comes from the mouths of babes is a source of wisdom that is priceless. With an open mind and heart, we can learn from and appreciate the invaluable wisdom that comes from children. Their wisdom can not only be a source of comfort, but also of great motivation and enthusiasm. They remind us of our own potential, and for that we can be eternally grateful.
