Proverbs 26:12Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.Proverbs Daily is a reader-supported publication. All posts are free, but all donations help spread the message. When you see the word “upgrade,” you’re simply invited to help me make the sacred positively contagious...thank you in advance for becoming a free or paid subscriber.Back in 2002, during the Bush administration, there was a press conference that became instantly infamous. The Secretary of Defense at the time, Donald Rumsfeld, was trying to explain intelligence failures surrounding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.And he said this:“There are known knowns. There are known unknowns. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”Now, people laughed.Late-night shows had a field day.It sounded like verbal gymnastics.But if you listen to what he actually said—he wasn’t wrong.It was actually brilliant.It was just…not helpful.Not comforting.And completely tone deaf while lives were on the line.That moment became infamous not because it was false,but because it revealed the fallacy in the mindset that thinks that you have the whole picture when you’re missing the most important parts.And Proverbs 26:12 puts its finger right on that tension:“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”That’s strong language.Because Scripture is saying:The most dangerous position isn’t ignorance.It’s unexamined certainty.🧠 THREE TYPES OF KNOWERSLet’s break this down in plain terms:• Some people know — and know that they know. • Some people don’t know — and know that they don’t know. • And then there’s the dangerous category: People who don’t know… and don’t know that they don’t know.That’s the person Proverbs is talking about.Not the fool. The fool already knows they’re a fool. That’s why there’s hope.But the person “wise in their own eyes”? They’ve closed the door to learning. They dismiss new information. They reject correction. They assume the model of reality in their head is complete.Until their ideas finally touch the real world…And then —they fool around and find out. The plan breaks. Year-End AdmonitionAs we close this year, this proverb isn’t trying to insult you. It’s trying to save you time.Wisdom grows where humility lives.If you assume you already completely understand: • the economy • relationships • culture • faith • people • yourselfYou cut off your own upgrade.But the moment you say, “I might be missing something…” Wisdom leans in.🔥 REMEMBERThe most dangerous ignorance is the kind that thinks it’s finished learning.PrayerLord, keep me teachable when I think I already know.Today’s ChallengeToday, ask one honest question instead of making a statement. Listen without correcting. Let wisdom in through humility.Because knowing that you don’t know… might be the smartest thing you do all year.About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app or just click that Subscribe button right now!Be Wise and Be Well...peace.Thanks for reading Proverbs Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it.
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