Don't Be A Know It All (Improve Your Relationships)

Don’t be a know-it-all

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge. Proverbs 12:23

Do you have a hard time refraining from offering unsolicited advice? Do you routinely use expressions like ‘You should’, or ‘You shouldn’t’? People tend to resent someone who always assumes that they know what’s best for them. Even when you feel like you’ve earned the right to speak into someone’s life, proceed with caution. Saying ‘Have you considered?’ sounds a lot less controlling, and will be more readily received, than telling somebody ‘You must’, or ‘You mustn’t’. As one author writes: ‘Even if you have knowledge and insight into a certain situation, sometimes it’s prudent to keep silent and give another the joy and fulfilment of explaining it.’ Being an ‘expert’ on almost every topic is a sure indication of pride, and it’s repulsive to God and man. Even if you’re brilliant but humble, your very presence can cause those with low self-esteem to feel uncomfortable and inferior. If you tend be a know it all you may need to do some honest soul searching. Is your display of knowledge a disguise for insecurity ? Do you long for attention or appreciation from others because your not getting it from the source you desire? Try this : listen attentively, ask for ideas, resist correcting; limit your opinion to 1 or 2 points. You'll be surprised how your relationships improve. People enjoy a dialogue not monologue. So live by this scripture “The wise don't make a show of their knowledge.”

Have a Blessed day - T