My Learning Today – 17th August : IF YOU WANT PEACE IN ADVERSITY, PRACTISE RESTRAINT

Do you always have to say what you know?

In the Bible in One Year by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, I came across something striking from Proverbs 12:23: “Fools blurt out folly, but a prudent person is reluctant to display knowledge.” Their commentary added, “Knowledge is like underwear, it is useful to have it, but not necessary to show it off!”

Back in my undergraduate days, I was obsessed with philosophy. In 100 level, not a day passed without me sitting in the library, devouring ethics and epistemology texts. I could proudly say I had gathered some knowledge.

Then came a literature class where the lecturer tried to analyse a book using one of those ethical doctrines. But much of her explanation didn’t align with what I had studied deeply. Instead of keeping quiet like everyone else, folly whispered, “Don’t let your mates learn the wrong thing, stand up and correct her.”

And so, I did. I explained the origin of the concept, its proponents, its application, and then asked whether she was referring to that doctrine or another one. To crown it all, my classmates gave me a standing ovation.

When silence fell, she looked at me and asked, “What’s your name again?” I muttered, “Chuka.” Then she said: “I don’t ever want to see you in this class again for the rest of the semester.”

Only God knows how I didn’t fail that course.

That day taught me a lesson: knowledge is good, but sharing it recklessly can put you in trouble.

Married people who speak without restraint can testify.

Assistants who advise bosses unsolicited can testify.

Share your knowledge, YES, but with wisdom.

Remember: “Fools blurt out folly, but a prudent person is reluctant to display knowledge.”

Shalom.

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