A man's wisdom is here said to be of use to him for the pumping of
other people, and diving into them, 1. To get the knowledge of them.
Though men's counsels and designs are ever so carefully concealed by
them, so that they are as deep water which one cannot fathom, yet there
are those who by sly insinuations, and questions that seem foreign,
will get out of them both what they have done and what they intend to
do. Those therefore who would keep counsel must not only put on
resolution, but stand upon their guard. 2. To get knowledge by them.
Some are very able and fit to give counsel, having an excellent faculty
of cleaving a hair, hitting the joint of a difficulty, and advising
pertinently, but they are modest, and reserved, and not communicative;
they have a great deal in them, but it is loth to come out. In such a
case a man of understanding will draw it out, as wine out of a vessel.
We lose the benefit we might have by the conversation of wise men for
want of the art of being inquisitive.