Know-It-All People

Know-it-all people are mesmerizing.

Whether you realize it or not, you already know a few of them.

We meet them in various places and at different times in our lives.

We stumble across them as characters in Bible stories, in books, on the radio, or in television programs. Social media is filled with them.

They can be found at school, at church, in restaurants, on the highways, and even in our homes. Though they can make life exciting for everyone, one thing we know for sure—we never want to become one of them. We must pray earnestly to avoid becoming a know-it-all person. Our Father did not design us to know it all or intend for us to make everyone feel miserable by reminding them how smart we are. None of us can afford to think we know everything when, in fact, there is only one wonderful Creator who truly knows everything—from beginning to end. The moment we start to think we know what is best in every situation is when we begin to distance ourselves from God’s wise counsel. Remember, holding on to a know-it-all attitude is what got Lucifer kicked out of heaven. God teaches us in His Ten Commandments that He does not accept second place in our hearts. When we lift ourselves up, we raise ourselves above God in our thinking. We must resist personal pride and always trust in God’s wisdom alone.

A few words from the wisest man who ever lived: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil” (Proverbs 3:7, NIV). It was pride in Satan’s heart that eventually brought him down. Let us not follow his example and become arrogant or have an inflated estimation of our own opinion. From Solomon again: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5, 6, NIV). Dear Lord, help us always lean on You and not follow the path of our own thoughts. We will never know more than You or know what is best for our lives.

Therefore, help us always to trust You and pay attention to Your wise counsel.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Yvonne E. Ealey