What We Know, Is Less Than What We Don’t Know!
1 Timothy 6
KJV
4+ He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Indeed wherever you go some people behave and act as Paul described “ knowing nothing, but doting about questions “ etc. these pretend as if they know everything! There is this English proverb which aptly fits them “Empty barrels make the most noise “ which is true!
Some don’t know that what they know is less than what they don’t know. Beloved, out there abounds much that we don’t know so let us be humble.
I’ve said it before that the more I read the more I come to know that I know nothing, and that there is more to learn. Yes!
Like Paul advised, many have turned away from people who refused to take advice simply because they think they know it all.
Indeed the proverbs writer was right; when he gave this advice.
Proverbs 9
KJV
9+ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
I also found this admonition timely and relevant;
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
Choose and pick your circle (friends) if you want to make headway in life. Not every circle will add value to your life be it spiritual, social or economic.
He further warned abd thus must be taken seriously;
Proverbs 9:7
NIV
[7] Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
So,
Proverbs 9:8
NIV
[8] Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Beloved, though I knew these verses, I wish I had paid closer attention to them by way of application when I was young! Unfortunately, I was naïve and thought everyone was wise and would appreciate wisdom.
Beloved, most of the mistakes I’ve made in life were as a result of my failure to discern, identify and differentiate between the wise and the wicked. I thought all men are wise and are desirous of learning!
I remember spending much time instructing and guiding some I thought were wise and would appreciate knowledge and wisdom only to realize I made a grave mistake!
Reflecting on these experiences many years later I found truth in what the Lord said
Matthew 13
KJV
12+ For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Which saying agrees with
Proverbs 9:9
NIV
[9] Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
Anyone who knows that what he knows is less than what he doesn’t know, will open up to be taught!
Were you taught this poem when you were in primary school? I was (1963) and still remember In later life I learnt it was a “Persian Proverb”.
Read it;
“He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him”.
“He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, can be taught; teach him”.
“He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.”
“He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a prophet; follow him.”
Wow!
Have you tried to advise those who think they know better? Leave them. The unfortunate thing is that there are many which explains why we can not get things done as a people.
If you want to improve in life you must admit that there is much out there that you don’t know. Whatever you know is less than what you don’t know. So be humble, open-minded- etc; so you can be taught!
I recommend someone to you, and should you find him, please follow him! This is:-
“He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a prophet; follow him.”
Thoughts to share