I love to read and learn. I also have a lot of questions, and am not afraid to ask them when given opportunity. Learning is inspiring and exciting. Connecting the dots and coming to understand something never known before continues to amaze.
I have noticed as of late, people are of the opinion they know everything. No matter the topic, they already know all about it. A news story breaks and they already knew.
I am not sure how or when people became this way. Perhaps it was with the advancement of technology which brings so much information right to our fingertips and before our eyes. Anything we want to know, we can “google” and the answers are before us. As much as that can be a good thing, I wonder if it is more of a hindrance to us than we even realize.
I think we have slowly lost our ability to say one simple phrase, “I. Don’t. Know.”
We tend to equate the words, “I don’t know,” with ignorance, which is a lie. Those words are actually a sign of wisdom. Perhaps even of humility. May we not be tempted to play God as that is the very thing that brought about the fall of Lucifer. May we not be tempted to rest on our intelligence and give answers only God can give.
Proverbs 10:19 puts it this way:
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” (NASB)
Maybe we need to have this put another way:
- “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (NLT)
- “The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.” (MSG)
- “The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.” (GNT)
I don’t know about you, but it is a relief to recognize and accept that I don’t need to know everything. It’s a weight lifted off from me to admit I do not have the answer.
My three favorite words – “I. Don’t. Know.”
So let’s be a wise people and say them.
Then we can learn together.
Last week brought two posts to be shared this week … We never forget those people whose words sustained us when most needed. In her post, “Am I holding Out Words of Hope and Life”, Amy Jung reminds us to pray for our words to be life-giving, hope-filled, and point others to Jesus.
Consistency. Discipline. One day at a time. Showing up. “Only a firm resolve gripped anew every morning will bring about the positive change you long for.” Be sure to read “Andy and Red” by T.J. Saunders.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I’m always amazed, when I scroll through Twitter, at the “expert” armchair commentators who not only know everything, but know why everyone does what they do or why things happen as they did. We truly need humility and wisdom, to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
I don’t see the link for the link-up, so I’ll leave mine here for now and check back later: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2022/05/01/content-with-thorns/.
I love your description >>> “armchair commentators” 🙂 Praying for wisdom in the conversations I enter and to be quicker to listen, slower to speak, and more discerning in offering my thoughts.
And sorry, somehow I forgot to put the link in but was so glad you came back!
Happy Mother’s Day, Barbara!
Yes! I so agree that “I don’t know” should be a common phrase out of every mouth. There is so much to know in this world. How can we ever think we’ve figured it all out? Humility is indeed a virtue. I admit I need a lot more of it than I currently have. I want to continue being a student of God and of life and love.
Joanne, what a great message. And I love that you call it a lie when we think not knowing means ignorance. Not knowing gives us the opportunity to learn and humbly admint, “I don’t know.” Sad when we all think we’re the next Jeopardy champion. 🙂
Thanks, Joanne. Why are we so tempted to act as if we know? It’s actually quite freeing to acknowledge that we don’t know everything. It opens the way for listening and learning and reminds us to stand in awe of the only One who truly knows everything.
I love learning. I love asking questions. and like you, I am not afraid to ask at the right time and place. And you are right, saying I don’t know is not a sign of ignorance. It is actually an opportunity to learn something new. How can we learn anything if we think we know everything?
Just yesterday I was confessing to my students that my don’t know how to help them with their algebra 😱. It’s taken me years to understand that it’s ok not to know (I love knowing things). My new phrase is, ”˜I don’t know! Let’s research it!
So often I just don’t know.
There is SO MUCH that I don’t know! I think it’s healthy to remind ourselves now and then!
Yes! It is so freeing to just admit, “I don’t know!” And, I love finding out the answers.
I’m so thankful we don’t have to know everything, Joanne. I so enjoy learning new things, researching and growing as a person. And I’m thankful the One Who does know everything, gently leads us, teaches us in the way we need to go, and gives us wisdom.
Amen Ms. Joanne. What I have learned, and what I know is this. “The older I get, the less I find I know.”
Great post Joanne! Thank you for pointing out that fabulous verse in Proverbs! I couldn’t agree more. I LOVE learning, and my husband always says I ask too many questions.
I think our culture has become so self absorbed, many people feel they must look like they know everything or they will look bad.
We are taught communications skills in hospice which help us engage others on difficult subjects. One thing they reinforce for us is to avoid the appearance of having all the answers. Saying “I don’t know” invites the other person to share their views, concerns or fears with you.
I’m very thankful that we don’t have to know everything. There are things in life that only God knows and that gives me comfort. 🙂
Great post Joanne! Hubby & I have noticed this phenomenon.
Wisdom of experience is no longer sort or listened too. It’s all about the Google (which is often incorrect or just someone’s opinion that is presented as fact 🤔).
Blessings,
Jennifer
So much wisdom in this Joanne. There are so many arguments and challenges to God’s Word lately that, frankly, it’s frightening to me. But “I don’t know” is still a very valid response while still maintaining that I have faith. Thanks for the reminder.
I’ve noticed this too, Joanne, that everyone is an expert about everything. Well, not everyone, I guess. 😊 I find myself drawn to passages in the Bible that say things like, “This one thing I know” or “I am confident of this very thing.” Those things, we can be sure about, but so much else falls under the “I don’t know” banner. Like you, I’m OK with that.