THE TERRIBLE BURDEN OF KNOWING EVERYTHING!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

THE TERRIBLE BURDEN OF KNOWING EVERYTHING!

Prov 22:3-4

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Prov 27:12

12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Prov 22:5

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the obstinate and willful; he who guards himself will be far from them.

AMP

           Today’s devotional is a left-handed look at humility, or perhaps the lack of humility. The person we all know as a “know-it-all” is wearisome to talk to. No matter the topic, he or she is always fully misinformed, and more than ready to dissimilate that lack of knowledge with forceful expertise.

           Yesterday, I said that Solomon had a wide respect for wisdom while thinking himself unwise. When coming to the kingdom, he asked for an understanding heart for, without it, he felt he could not lead his people. God granted his request and we now know Solomon as a wise man. Perhaps his greatest wisdom was his questioning of it. He had learned to ask of God and to seek wise counsel.

           The word “foreseeth” in the two identical verses above is the Hebrew word ra’ah which means not only seeing but carefully observing. The idea is to use caution in proceeding and to observe and avoid dangers almost hidden.

           The word “simple” is pethiy which means “silly and seducible.” We would probably use the word gullible. This person, because of his pride, falls for everything.

           The greatest tragedy of the “know-it-all” is that he has no one to whom he can go for counsel.

1 Peter 5:7-8

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Lord, let me question my own understanding and lean heavily on your great wisdom. Let me run to you early and often for counsel and caution. Let me walk circumspectly lest I fall into a trap I did not see. AMEN