Don’t Be a Know-It-All—Humble Yourself

As a teacher, I’ve had my fill of know-it-alls in my classes. So many people give the impression that they have nothing new to learn or have no room for improvement. Many often want to share what they know and tell their personal stories, as if graciously imparting their own wisdom onto the teacher and listeners. They are the expert in their eyes. There’s a lack of humility, and most of the time they don’t even know it.

I was praying for a difficult student one time. She was a bit of a know-it-all, frequently interrupting me and others to share her own insight and stories. It often seemed like it didn’t even occur to her that she might need to learn what was being taught. I realized that some of the things she was doing were things of which I have also been guilty. Isn’t interesting how we can see some of our own flaws pointed out in others? (See Practical Step #2 in this post) As I was praying for God to humble her I realized that I too need to be humbled. Boy was that humbling! 😉

However, praying “Humble me” can be a dangerous prayer! It can potentially invite in embarrassment, looking bad in front of others, having our wrongs being made evident, or being put in our place. This can be especially hard if you’re a people pleaser or care to much about what people think about you. We might know that we need to be humbled but might not be quite ready to go through the humbling process just yet!

Don’t avoid the need to be humbled in order to be a people-pleaser

Even though the humbling process might be difficult or even embarrassing at times, we shouldn’t avoid asking God to humble us (or humbling ourselves) because of how it might make us look. Self-image should not be a determining factor nor should attempts to please others. Our aim should always be to please God, even if there’s a cost.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (GNT)

“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” John 12:43 (NLT)

“You like to receive praise from one another, but you do not try to win praise from the one who alone is God; how, then, can you believe me?” John 5:44 (CEV)

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

Don’t be a know-it-all!

Scripture has a lot to say about being a know-it-all, and it’s not good. In fact the Bible says to avoid being a know-it-all and associates it with being foolish, unteachable, prideful, arrogant and haughty. These are qualities that God despises (as do many other people).

“Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the LORD is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions.” 1 Samuel 2:3 (NLT)

“How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 (TPT)

“Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong.” Proverbs 3:7 (TPT)

“The wise accumulate knowledge—a true treasure; know-it-alls talk too much—a sheer waste.” Proverbs 10:14 (MSG)

“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

“The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.” Proverbs 12:23 (NLT)

“A wise son or daughter desires a father’s discipline, but the know-it-all never listens to correction.” Proverbs 13:1 (TPT)

“Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.” Proverbs 13:10 (MSG)

“The know-it-all never esteems the one who tries to correct him. He refuses to seek good advice from the wise.” Proverbs 15:12 (TPT)

“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” Proverbs 26:12 (NIV)

“Self-confident know-it-alls will prove to be fools. But when you lean on the wisdom from above, you will have a way to escape the troubles of your own making.” Proverbs 28:26 (TPT)

“What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” Isaiah 5:21 (NLT)

“Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”” Matthew 11:25-26 (MSG)

“Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.” Romans 1:22 (NLT)

“Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.” Romans 12:16 (TPT)

“Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” And again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (NLT)

“If anyone thinks of himself as a know-it-all, he still has a lot to learn.” 1 Corinthians 8:2 (TPT)

Learn to humble yourself

In addition to praying or asking God to humble us, the Bible also instructs us to humble ourselves. If we can get into a habit of humbling ourselves, God won’t need to humble us.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

“No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NLT)

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 (ESV)

“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (NLT)

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”” Luke 14:11 (NLT)

“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”” Luke 18:14 (NLT)

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3 (NIV)

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NLT)

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do.” James 3:13 (CEV)

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NLT)

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10 (NLT)

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)

Rewards of humility, Consequences of pride

When we can remain humble, there are some rewards that comes with humility. However, when we become prideful, there are also consequences.

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Psalm 25:9 (ESV)

“He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.” Proverbs 3:34 (GNT)

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)

“Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.” Proverbs 15:33 (CEV)

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)

“Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor.” Proverbs 18:12 (CEV)

“True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Proverbs 22:4 (NLT)

“Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.” Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)

“The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” Isaiah 57:15 (NLT)

“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)

“And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” James 4:6 (NLT)

Take Some Practical Steps to Humble Yourself:

• First, evaluate yourself to see if you need to be humbled.

You probably need to humble yourself and/or pray “Humble me Lord” if you’ve ever had these thoughts or if these apply to you…

-“I already know this”

-“This doesn’t apply to me”

-“This is for other people to learn, not me”

-“I’m already good at this”

-“Oh, so-in-so really needs to hear this”

-If you don’t see a need for improvement (nor attempt to make those improvements)

-You have little to no introspection or self-application

-When you frequently share your similar story or even try to “one-up” someone else’s story

-If you exhibit pride or arrogance (especially if others have told you this)

• Secondly, recognize that there are negative consequences for pride and rewards for humility. Let this motivate you to humble yourself or ask to be humbled.

• Don’t shy away from or avoid being humbled because you know you won’t enjoy the process. Realize that the benefits of humility will pay off and that your aim should be to please God and not yourself or others.

• Next, learn to humble yourself.

Follow the directions in scripture to know how to do this. This will include things like admitting when you’re wrong, confessing sins, repenting, staying contrite, submitting to authority, serving others, thinking of others before yourself, avoiding self-praise, forgiving others, and staying teachable. Realize that you will always have room for improvement. Intentionally look for ways to improve and grow. Stop listening and learning merely for the benefit of others by instead always listening and learning how you can use new information in your own life.

• Then, pray “Humble me Lord”, and be prepared to be humbled! Recognize and be glad about the humbling work that will follow. It’s for your own good!

• Finally, don’t be a know-it-all!

Catch yourself if you start to notice this attitude in yourself. Stop trying to teach others everything you know. Stop trying to teach your teachers. 😉 Avoid constantly sharing a “relevant story” that comes to mind, and avoid offering unsolicited advice. Recognize when you may come across as arrogant or pompous. Try not to boast or brag. Don’t consider yourself the expert. Acknowledge (both internally and externally) that you don’t really know everything, and realize that there are still things that you can learn. Then, if all else fails…KMS: Keep Mouth Shut!

Have you had some humbling experiences? Share them with us by leaving a comment below!

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