Understanding gives you a hearing heart to discern between good and evil. David's fathering, Proverbs 4:1, prepared Solomon for the choice God gave him. No other person in Scripture was offered a choice like Solomon. When we've had encounters with the Lord, how we respond to those encounters portray what we know to be true internally. The more clearly God speaks, the greater the requirement we have to follow through with what He says. God speaks in a still small voice, and hides truth in parables. He speaks softly because He is merciful.