Today we read in the One Year Bible from 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. And in it, we read this sentence: "Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much."
Socrates told us that the only true wisdom was knowing that you know nothing.
What does all of this mean? Shouldn't we learn things? Is it wrong to study? Is everything unknowable?
Well, there are many things that this means. One of the chief lessons we can learn from this interesting intersection of Paul and Socrates is humility. When we think we know everything, we will miss new opportunities to learn. You've probably met someone who can't be told anything. If you try to talk to them, they'll one-up your story with an even BETTER story. If you tell them the directions to your house, they'll try to give you better directions. Very tiresome, and the one thing they DON'T seem to know is that knowing it all doesn't make anyone want to talk to them.
Staying inquisitive is what Socrates meant. Staying humble is what Paul meant. And the two go hand-in-hand. God is continually teaching us, and there is more to learn than we can ever take in. So staying humble, and staying curious, are the ways to avoid being bored - and boring.
God, thank You for teaching us to "know nothing."
No comments:
Post a Comment