(A person's thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out. Psalm 20:5)
Photo by Caleb George on Unsplash
It takes skill to know what other people really think. What smart people think can help you succeed. What fools think can cost you dearly. Only an intelligent person will be able and patiently to draw personal plans and opinions from others.
The comparison here compares a deep well with water deep below the earth's surface. Getting the water takes a lot of effort and ingenuity to get to the bottom and bring the water to the surface. Only creative and hardworking people will find the means and make efforts.
Most will look elsewhere for simpler water. There are reasons why this skill requires getting advice from others. First, they may be afraid to express their opinions. Secondly, thanks to their piety and mercy, they can be humble and even talented people, aloof and slow in conversations and discussions.
Third, they can plan sinful activities, and it would be self-condemnation to admit their thoughts. The lesson of this proverb has positive and negative aspects. Positive use is your benefit or the need for sound and practical advice from wise consultants for your safety or success. Negative use is your need to discover dangerous plans lurking in the hearts or minds of those who may harm others or you.