idk

​IDK (Read time ≈ 5 minutes)
Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
 
There is a common phrase in the English language. It is one that many people are afraid to use. They are afraid that they will let someone down… Afraid that they will look bad if they use it... Afraid they will be mocked if they use it… the list could go on. This phase however, is also one of the most powerful phrases in the English language, one of the most freeing phrases in the English language. One that if you use it, will bring peace, knowledge and wisdom and even healing to those who use it correctly. That phrase is… “I don’t know”. Scary, huh? Our pride and our ego make us resist those three words more than nearly any other word combination we could dream up. Let me tell you… Any hesitance to using the phrase “I don’t know” is unhealthy. Its damaging you, and it’s hurting others. Why? I thought you’d ask that. That’s because if we refuse to say, “I don’t know” then we are lying to ourselves and people around us. Often times, we try to mix up some word salad to sound like we do know. We try to blend enough information together to sound intelligent (it usually doesn’t work as well as you think). Ultimately, it is lying. Lying is a massive issue to God (Proverbs 12:22). Neglecting to be honest and professing “I don’t know”, will also cause further damage. If we act as if we know, when we clearly do not, it restricts yourself and those around you from further knowledge and growth. In a hunt for truth, the pursuit is put to a premature ending with a dishonest answer that falls on believing ears. Beyond that, when people hear you speak as if you know but it is evident that you do not, it damages trust and relationships and stunts your own growth in a situation where you could have learned, but instead you made yourself wise in your own eyes.
 
It's time that we embrace this powerful phrase, “I don’t know”. It is possible that using this phrase can let people down, but that’s okay. It’s time the world found out that you don’t know everything! However, we should also be careful not to use this phrase to dismiss things we don’t want to deal with (parents I’m talking to you! But…not only you). When it comes to things that are worthy, righteous and godly; as much as it is within our ability, the phrase, “I don’t know” should be followed up with the pursuit of that knowledge. This is how we grow and mature. We turn to Scripture, prayer, pastoral headship, good ol’ fashion research, to find the truth and grow in knowledge. You will be better off for this and so will the people around you. The phrase, “I don’t know” should be a launching pad into greater knowledge. At this time, I feel the disclaimer should be clearly stated, this only applies to things that are actually worth knowing. So, no, I am not telling you to find the knowledge when someone asks you about the latest celebrity gossip. We are talking about Kingdom business and honesty.
 
Something powerful in our lives happens when we let go of this false expectation of knowing everything. You feel better! Not only mentally, but physically. Yup, God said it! Take a look at the next verse, Proverbs 3:8, “It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”. No longer making yourself wise in you own eyes is like Holy Spirit stress relief! So, go ahead, say it with me, “I don’t know”. Didn’t that feel great? The first step to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is to admit that there is always more to learn. The next step is to search it out and learn it. “I don’t know, but I want to learn” Now, that is powerful! Let that free you to be able to advance in your walk closer to God.