Kids are honest. At times, children will say things that we find embarrassing if it happens to be around other adults. Children notice things we often don’t, or they are perhaps not as desensitized to the feelings and ideas of others. They also don’t have the filters or the years of conditioning as parents tell them, “Don’t say that.”
Children can also be spiritually insightful. God can use children just as he can anyone else.
During a particularly difficult time in my life, I was having a pity party as my dreams crumbled around me in ministry and work during the recession of 2008. We had these great children’s books about Bible stories. One of them was about Joseph from Genesis.
My daughter, at two and a half years old, brought me this book. She opened and pointed to the page where Joseph was thrown into the pit by his brothers. “Look, Dad. He must have felt pretty bad.”
I agreed. He probably did.
Then she turned the pages until she got to the end of the book, when Joseph was ruling Egypt and the picture where he embraced his brothers. “But look,” she said. “It all turned out okay.”
Okay, God, I said in my heart. I get it.
Another cliché about kids comes straight from the Bible. When children make insightful statements, we utter the words, “Out of the mouths of babes.” But what does this phrase mean, and where in the Scripture do we get it from?
What Is the Context of the Phrase Out of the Mouths of Babes?
The phrase “out of the mouths of babes” originates from a verse in the Bible, specifically Psalm 8:2, which states, “Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.”
Psalm 8 is a hymn of praise, attributed to King David, that celebrates the majesty and glory of God, particularly in the context of His creation.
The psalmist reflects on the vastness of the heavens, the moon and the stars, and the wonders of the natural world. Amidst this reflection on the greatness of God, the psalmist marvels at the special place that God has given humanity within His creation.
Verses 4-8 are a beautiful combination of our humility and corresponding value in God’s plan. We are made lower than the angels but crowned with glory and honor.
Humanity has been given dominion over God’s creation and made stewards over God’s great work, including the animals of the field, the air, and the sea.
A complete dominion, reminiscent of God’s instruction to Adam and Eve in Genesis to have dominion over what he just created.
The psalm ends with another declaration of God’s excellent name. God’s use of the humble and lowly to do great things is evidence of how amazing and excellent he is in character and love.
Therefore, verse 2 is a poetic expression of this theme. “Out of the mouth of babes and infants,” God is the one who chooses their strength to resist and overcome God’s enemies. This is a stark contrast.
Nothing seems more helpless and powerless than a babe or infant, yet God uses their speech to beat his enemies. Not their enemies but his. God’s enemies are spiritual and far greater than the armies of the earth. Yet he uses the weak and powerless to show his power.
In Matthew 21:16, Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 when children in the temple courts were praising Him, saying, “Do you hear what these children are saying?... 'From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise.’”
What Are Other Scriptures That Talk about the Heart of a Child?
While the specific phrase “heart of a child” may not appear frequently in the Bible, there are several passages that highlight the qualities or characteristics associated with the heart of a child.
These passages offer insights into the virtues and attitudes that Jesus and the biblical authors encourage us to cultivate.
In Matthew 18:3-4, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of childlike humility and trust. He says, “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 verse emphasizes the need for humility, innocence, and complete reliance on God, which are characteristic of the heart of a child.
Jesus welcomes children brought to Him by the people in Mark 10:14-15, “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Jesus teaches that receiving the kingdom of God requires a childlike faith and receptivity, highlighting the importance of trust, openness, and simplicity.
Luke 18:16-17 also repeats the same exchange. Jesus clearly emphasizes the qualities of trust, humility, and receptivity that characterize the heart of a child.
The Apostle Paul instructs children to obey their parents in Ephesians 6:1-3, and he quotes from the Ten Commandments, saying, “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12).
This verse acknowledges the fundamental relationship between children and their parents and the importance of honoring and respecting parental authority.
What we should remember about this passage in Ephesians: this letter was to be read to the entire church.
As Paul instructs the different people in the church with family and social roles (parents, children, church leaders, servants, masters, etc.), he encourages them to infuse these roles with the heart of the gospel according to God’s design.
Clearly, if the church was present for the reading, the different roles or age groups weren’t segregated. A diverse group of people were gathered as one hearing the instructions of each.
In other words, the Ephesians church didn’t go to the women in a separate room to talk about being a wife, or men over here to instruct in being a good father or husband, or the servant class in the back about how to work hard. And the children were right there with their families getting amazing instruction from Paul about living the truth in everyday life.
What Does Out of the Mouths of Babes Mean?
None of us can serve God in our own strength. There is a temptation to see someone incredibly talented or intelligent and think how great it would be if that person served God and used those talents for him. We’ve all done it.
Yet God doesn’t need our strength to accomplish his plans. His plans will be accomplished by his power and might. As Zechariah prophesies in the Old Testament about the redemption coming for the nation of Israel, the famous phrase is uttered, “Not by power nor by might, but by My Spirit.”
The nation of Israel had been conquered by armies and empires like Babylon and Persia, oppressed, and placed into slavery. God makes it clear, however, that their redemption won’t be by using the same sort of worldly powers.
God will do a great work by his Spirit, including decimating and destroying nations that oppressed them.
As the Book of Zechariah continues, God’s instruction is for the Israelites to worship him, repent, and follow him to be part of this redemption. Their full commitment and surrender to God will allow them to be part of the redemption God has for his people.
Since God can use anyone and has, regardless of their background or age, we must dignify all people, including children. Children may not be able to understand every nuance of theology or philosophy, but that doesn’t dismiss them from being used by God.
In fact, according to Jesus’ words, if we need the heart of a child to enter the Kingdom, actual children might have more of an advantage than we might think.
For this reason, my wife and I have never “dumbed down” the Bible for our kids. We often say and teach, “There’s no baby Holy Spirit.” We teach truth and guide our kids to be full members of the local Body of Christ, empowering them to learn and participate in truth.
This dignifies their advantage (already having the heart of a child) and God’s power to use anyone. Yes, we are still parents, and they are still children during this time until they become adults, but we have seen God speak through our children more than once.
Lastly, we should take Jesus’ pre-requisite heart of a child seriously before entering the Kingdom of God. This is being childlike, not childish. Jesus was innocent and loving and generous, treating people equally, but he wasn’t naïve or ignorant.
God desires for us to have the awe, the wonder, the mystery, and the love of adventure a child has, looking forward to being with our Heavenly Father. We mature in Christ to be more like him, more aware of the evils we fight and the deep love of God.
Maturity in Christ shouldn’t take us away from being child-like, but always keep that joyful heart of a child while we grow and walk with our Father.
What Are Important Lessons from Out of the Mouths of Babes for Us Today?
While the expression “out of the mouths of babes” originates from biblical passages and refers to the profound insights that can come from the innocent and unfiltered perspectives of children, its application extends beyond the literal sense.
1. Humility and openness. Recognizing that wisdom can come from unexpected sources challenges us to set aside preconceived notions and be receptive to diverse perspectives.
It encourages us to listen attentively, acknowledging that God can speak through anyone, regardless of age or social status.
2. Childlike faith. Christians are called to embrace a childlike faith characterized by trust, dependence, and receptivity.
Children naturally trust and rely on their caregivers, and Jesus encourages us to have that same trust and dependence on our Heavenly Father. Emulating the faith of a child helps us surrender control, entrusting our lives to God's loving care.
3. Simplicity and authenticity. Children often exhibit simplicity and authenticity in their words and actions. We are called to live with integrity, allowing our faith to permeate every aspect of our lives.
Embracing simplicity and authenticity enables us to be genuine in our relationships, avoiding hypocrisy or pretense.
4. Curiosity and wonder. Children are naturally curious and filled with wonder as they explore and discover the world around them.
We can learn from this childlike curiosity and maintain a sense of wonder in their faith. Cultivating a curious spirit helps us remain open to ongoing growth, deepening our understanding of God and His creation.
5. Honesty and sincerity. Children often express their thoughts without filters or hidden agendas, and Jesus calls us to do the same. Being truthful and genuine fosters trust in our relationships and reflects the character of Christ within us.
6. Recognition of God's work. Children have a remarkable ability to recognize and appreciate God's work in the world around them.
They find joy in simple things and are often in awe of God's creation. We are reminded to cultivate a childlike appreciation for God's blessings, marveling at His handiwork and finding joy in the everyday miracles.
7. Teaching and discipleship. The phrase underscores the importance of teaching and discipleship within the Christian community. Just as adults can learn from children, adults have a responsibility to guide and nurture young believers.
This involves providing a safe environment for children to express their thoughts and questions, fostering spiritual growth, and equipping them with a solid foundation in faith.
Let’s have a heart of a child today. Find joy in God’s blessings and listen to those around you for truth and find ways to love them in simplicity and sincerity. And watch the Kingdom be expressed.
Peace.
For further reading:
How Are Children Gifts from God?
Can Children Truly Understand the Bible?
How to Explain the Gospel and God to Children
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