When We Think We Know It All: Choosing Humility Over Pride

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Struggling with pride or always needing to be right? Discover how humility, listening, and seeking God’s wisdom can transform your conversations and spiritual growth.


Let’s Be Honest for a Moment

Let’s be real.

There are times when we think we have all the answers.

We may not always say it out loud, but it shows up in how we talk, how we respond, and how we carry ourselves.

It shows up in small ways:

  • Cutting someone off before they finish
  • Dismissing what someone else is saying
  • Feeling like what we say holds more weight

And if we’re honest…

We’ve all been there at some point.

I’ve seen it happen so many times.

You can be in a simple conversation, just sharing your thoughts, and before you even finish, someone jumps in—not to understand, but to correct.

Not to listen…

But to prove they are right.

And in that moment, the conversation shifts.

It’s no longer about learning.

It becomes about control.


Just Because It Feels Right Doesn’t Mean It Is

Here’s a truth we all have to accept:

Even when we think we’re right…

We’re not always right.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) says:
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

That means something can feel completely right to us…

And still be wrong.

That’s why we cannot rely on our own understanding alone.

We need God’s wisdom.

Because our perspective is limited.


When Conversations Turn Into Arguments

I’ve been in conversations where it just keeps going back and forth.

You explain your side.
They explain theirs.
You try again.
They still don’t hear you.

And after a while, you realize:

This is not a conversation anymore.

This is an argument.

And arguments don’t always bring understanding.

Sometimes they just bring frustration.

That’s why I’ve learned something important:

Not every conversation needs a response.
Not every disagreement needs to be settled.

Sometimes wisdom looks like walking away.

Proverbs 17:28 (KJV) says:
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise…”

There is power in knowing when to be silent.

Because peace is more important than proving a point.


“I’ve Been Here Longer Than You…”

We hear this all the time:

“I’ve been here longer, so I know what I’m talking about.”

And yes, experience matters.

But experience alone does not equal wisdom.

You can be somewhere for years and still not grow.
You can have experience and still lack understanding.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 (KJV) says:
“Wisdom is a defence…”

Not time.
Not position.
Not how long you’ve been doing something.

True wisdom comes from God.

And without Him, our understanding will always have limits.


Only God Has All the Answers

Let’s bring it back to the truth:

We are not God.

But sometimes we talk like we are.

Like our opinion is final.
Like, our understanding is complete.
What we say cannot be questioned.

But we have to remind ourselves:

Only God knows everything.

Isaiah 55:8–9 (KJV) says:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…”

God sees what we don’t see.
He understands what we don’t understand.
He knows what we haven’t even thought about yet.

Romans 11:33 (KJV) says:
“How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

That alone should humble us.

Because if God’s understanding is beyond us…

Then how can we act like we know it all?


It’s Okay to Not Know

This is something I had to grow into:

It’s okay not to have all the answers.

We live in a world where people feel pressure to always respond.

To always have something to say.
To sound confident—even when they’re unsure.

But there is strength in saying:

“I don’t know.”

Because honesty builds trust.

And humility creates space for growth.

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) says:
“Lean not unto thine own understanding.”

That means don’t depend only on what you think you know.

Because your understanding is limited.


Ask God Before You Speak

One thing I try to do—whether I feel confident or not—is go to God first.

Because sometimes what we know…

Is not what needs to be said in that moment.

There are times when people don’t need:

  • Correction
  • Advice
  • A long explanation

Sometimes they need:

  • Wisdom
  • Discernment
  • Compassion

James 1:5 (KJV) says:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…”

And that’s something we should do daily.

Not just when we feel unsure—

But even when we think we’re right.


Learn to Listen More

Listening is something many people struggle with.

Because most people don’t listen to understand.

They listen to respond.

They’re already thinking about what they’re going to say next before you even finish speaking.

But real listening requires:

  • Patience
  • Humility
  • Intentional focus

Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) says:
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly…”

Responding too quickly without understanding…

Is not wisdom.

And it happens more often than we realize.


Humility Over Pride

At the root of all of this is one thing:

Pride versus humility.

Pride says:

  • “I already know.”
  • “I don’t need to hear that.”
  • “I’m right.”

Humility says:

  • “Let me listen.”
  • “I’m willing to learn.”
  • “I may not have all the answers.”

Philippians 2:3 (KJV) says:
“In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

That means we are not above anyone.

And we are never above learning.


Final Thought: Stay Teachable

At the end of the day…

We don’t have all the answers.

And that’s okay.

Because we serve a God who does.

So instead of trying to know everything…

Let’s stay teachable.

Let’s stay humble.

Let’s stay open to growth.

Because the moment we think we know it all…

Is the moment we stop growing.


Reflection Questions

  1. Do I listen to understand, or do I listen to respond?
  2. Am I open to correction, or do I always feel like I’m right?
  3. How can I seek God more before giving advice or answers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that I don’t have all the answers, but You do. Help me to walk in humility and not pride. Teach me to listen more, speak with wisdom, and seek You before I respond. Give me understanding, patience, and a heart that is willing to learn. I trust that Your wisdom is greater than mine.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.


More Encouragement & Prayer Support

If this message encouraged you, visit the Encouragement Corner for more faith-filled messages to strengthen your walk with God.

If you’re looking for prayer and devotional support, explore the Prayers & Devotionals page for Scripture-based encouragement to help you stay grounded and spiritually strong.


With love,
Ty 💗
Encouraged by Faith

3 thoughts on “When We Think We Know It All: Choosing Humility Over Pride”

  1. You may have been here longer- but that doesn’t really solve what we are talking about. Experience doesn’t automatically make a person right. Some people talk too much instead of listening to what the other person is saying. Sometimes that will cause an argument and the conversation cannot move forward.

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