Know Thyself

The ancient Greek aphorism "Know thyself,” is inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi– It has been attributed to several ancient Greek sages, such as Socrates, etc. Nevertheless, it’s a wise man or woman who knows his or her limitations.

David, it would seem, knew his. “LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul [is] even as a weaned child”.

It takes maturity to both know and accept oneself. As one writer put it, “David was as a weaned child, sitting upon his mother’s lap, no longer fretting over milk.” David was comfortable in his own skin. But, at the same time, he was not in love with his own shadow.

The shepherd boy was not “educated beyond his intelligence.” He was content within his own intellectual sphere. He did not attempt to flex academic muscle he didn’t have. That is always embarrassing, for invariably, sooner or later, someone will put you to the test.

David knew certain things were too great and lofty for his mind; therefore, he did not intrude into those areas, especially those “secret things that belong [only] to the Lord.” He realized some things were too high, beyond his reach. He preferred the Biblical world with its limitations, rather than pseudo-mystical probing.

Intellectual contentment comes when one is able to say, I don’t know.”