.....think

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him Proverbs 26:12

During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the director how they determine whether someone should be institutionalized. The director explained, “We fill up a bathtub, then we offer the patient a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket and ask them to empty the tub.”

The visitor, confident in his reasoning, replied, “Ah, I get it — a normal person would use the bucket, because it holds the most water.” The director replied, “Actually, a normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed by the window or by the heater?”

How often do we assume we have the right answer — only to realize we completely missed the point?

Our pride can blind us, especially when we’re convinced we’re being clever. We rush in with our “big buckets,” ready to fix everything with sheer effort or the best tools available — but sometimes we don’t need more effort or better tools. We need insight. And that kind of insight often comes when we admit that maybe — just maybe — we don’t know everything.

The Bible reminds us that humility is the foundation of true wisdom. Solomon says, “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” That’s a hard truth, but an important one. Thinking we already have it all figured out can keep us from growing, listening, and learning — especially from God.

The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to have all the answers. He’s not looking for perfect problem-solvers. He’s looking for people who are willing to be taught. People who are humble enough to ask for help and to trust his perspective above their own.

So, the next time you find yourself grabbing the biggest bucket you can find to solve a problem, ask yourself if you’re overlooking something obvious. More importantly, ask God to guide you. Because sometimes, we need to stop thinking we’ve got things figured out and start looking up.

- alan smith

Father, forgive me when I assume I already know what’s best. Teach me to approach life with humility and a willingness to learn. Help me to lean not on my own understanding, but to trust in your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.