Devotion 4: Know It All

Shawna Johnson

We all know a know-it-all. It is the person that has answers for everything and cannot be told otherwise; their way is always the best way. We listen to them, nod and shake our heads (as if we are listening) and walk away rolling our eyes. “Whatever dude,” I think to myself, “You know it all.” Then I sit back and think, “Yikes, sometimes I can be that person!”

Ask yourself, are you teachable? Coachable? Open to correction? Or are you that guy too? Does it have to be “my way or the highway?”

Proverbs 12:15 (NLT) says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Scripture just called us fools! That should be very humbling. Thankfully, the Lord is gracious and kind, and we do not have to remain this way. Praise Him! Let Him counsel us and lead us to wisdom.

Mediate on the following verses and give thanks that we do not have to know every answer. Rest knowing that the Lord will lead the way. Remember, after all, “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6).

• Be teachable.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” God’s Word is “profitable for teaching” if we are willing to be taught.

• Be coachable.

Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” This verse seems a little redundant. To “listen to advice” sounds similar to “accept instruction.” Maybe God is trying to get our attention.

• Protect yourself.

Colossians 2:8 (NIV) says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Be careful not to be prideful due to an overestimation of one’s own knowledge. Guard your mind and heart.

• Praise Him.

Psalm 16:7-8 (NIV) says, “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Receive wisdom from God, use it, and thank Him. Praise is an expression of thankfulness.

James 1:19 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Keep your mouth shut. You might learn something from someone else!

Psalm 73:24 (NIV) says, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” The reward of accepting the counsel of the Lord is rest.