One of my favourite movies is The Importance of Being Earnest, based on a play written by Oscar Wilde. The movie has many great lines and one of my favourites comes when the mother of the object of Ernest’s affections asks him an important question. Lady Bracknell begins by saying, ‘I have always been of the opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know?’ He replies, ‘I know nothing, Lady Bracknell.’ Then she says she is pleased to hear it, as she doesn’t approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. 

Many people seem to think they know everything and aren’t afraid to voice their opinions about any and all topics, whether or not they really know much about them at all. It’s rare to hear someone say they don’t know something, but a long time ago, someone did say that. In 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV), Paul said: ‘For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.’   While the context is of course different, it’s a good thing to remember during these contentious times. 

What do we really know after all? We are being fed so much ‘disinformation’ and propaganda, it’s difficult to know what’s true. Facts and photos can be changed – including with AI – to mean anything people want, to manipulate, deceive and even control us. As Christians, it would be wise to do as Paul did – he didn’t go to the Corinthians with a brilliant display of his wisdom, with big words and impressive oratory. He could have, as he was well-educated and intelligent, but he chose to go to them with the simple truth of the crucified Christ. Let’s remember that the better part of wisdom is often to keep quiet and stick to what we know – Christ and him crucified.

First published on 29 October 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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