Most likely you or someone you know has occasionally used these two words in a conversation, “THEY say…”. I hear them frequently in our home and I would be lying if I said that I’ve never used them myself, but cross my heart, my better half beats me to it. Like with most people, when Mari says “Well, THEY say…” she is suggesting that the ALL-KNOWING “they”, whoever they may be, are the final non-challenging authority on the subject and therefore there should be no debate about it [eye roll]. THEY practically have the answer and explanation for every debatable topic.

For some time, I use to think that “they” were actually reputable experts like doctors, scientists, and lawmakers. But ever since I demanded to know who “they” really were so I could verify their existence and research their professed knowledge, I’ve come to realize that “they” can be just about anyone with an opinion. “They” can refer to old wives’ tales, celebrities, and even family members, friends, and colleagues who get their information from other “theys”.

Let’s face it no one on earth knows everything. Not Google, Siri, or Alexa. Not psychos, er, psychics, religious leaders, or wise grandparents. Nope, not even the greatest thinkers, philosophers, or gurus the world have ever seen could possibly hold the title of ALL-KNOWING.

There is only ONE who can rightfully proclaim that title. He is the One and only true God of all creation. And although He has not revealed everything to mankind, we have access to all we NEED to know concerning life, death, and eternity, in the pages of His holy Word. The Bible addresses and provides the answer to every life situation that affects us as God’s children. Within its pages, we can find excellent counsel, trustworthy promises, and a wealth of advice that can help us live life to the fullest.

More important than what “they” have to say regarding any given subject, is what God has to say about the way we ought to live our lives. Sure, expert opinions and recommendations based on studies, results, and facts ought to be considered and trusted, but our faith in them should never supersede our faith in God’s omniscience. He is not only eternal, perfect, and unchanging, but He operates outside of the natural and beyond that which is common to man. That’s why we can be certain that He will never fail us or give us incomplete or wrong information. He will never mislead us or cause us to be confused or anxious. In fact, His faithfulness and trustworthiness are the only reliable sources in the entire universe. He is the only one who can provide us with clear direction and safely guide us through the difficult roads in life. 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6

The Bible may not tell us whether coffee is good for us or not or confirm that we really shouldn’t go swimming after a meal. We won’t read about how Covid-19 actually spreads and if it will ever go away. And we definitely will not get an answer as to whether or not it’s harmful to use a tanning bed or eat lots of sweets. BUT…it will remind us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and therefore we should take extremely good care of it. This is where physiology and psychology can be helpful and effective, as long as we understand that it is by God’s will and grace that man can gain and use such knowledge. 

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,
…Therefore glorify God with your body.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:20

Neither does the word of God tell us where to find the right soul mate or how much we should spend on a wedding. It does not reveal which stock will yield the best return or how to haggle to get the best price on any given purchase. BUT…it does give us insight on how to stay morally upright, build and strengthen relationships, and be good stewards. This is where marriage, financial, and academic counsel is valuable, as long as we also understand that without God, discipline, and commitment they produce only temporary and superficial results. 

“Don’t become partners with those
who do not believe.” – 2 Corinthians 6:12

So, I do believe we ought to read and learn about the things that affect us as human beings. We should set goals and work hard to achieve success in life and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We should also be motivated to seek counsel and share what we’ve learned in our life’s journey with others. After all, the Bible also says to do everything as unto the Lord (Col. 3:23), to give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7), that in the multitude of counsel there is safety (Prov. 11:14), and to plan and work diligently (Prov. 21:5 & Prov. 10:4). However, we must never get so wrapped up in the secular mindset that we neglect the spiritual aspect of our lives. True success is not found in earthly knowledge and prosperity. It’s found when we gain godly wisdom and invest in the eternal kingdom of God.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Everything belonging to this secular world is temporary and imperfect. Everything belonging to the spiritual world (God’s kingdom) is eternal and flawless. So, let us make sure we know exactly who “they” are before we start trusting what they have to say. And let us never forget that the One who knitted us in our mother’s womb knows EVERYTHING about us and therefore knows better than “they” do. We can definitely trust what He says to us through His word. 

Prayer: Almighty God, you and you alone are All-knowing. I put my trust solely on You. May your Word be grafted in my heart so that I may always follow your perfect plan for my life. Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom you have imparted to mankind so that we can survive, be productive, and capable of blessing others. May I never forget that all good and perfect gifts come from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. 

RELATED SCRIPTURE
“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” – Psalm 18:30 NIV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17 ESV

The All-Knowing God in Psalm 139 [Click to Read]