Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

An Inspirational Tale: I’m Smarter Than Anyone – or Not! 
By Pastor Tim Burt

Once upon a time, in a small village living contently in the upper hills by herself, lived a woman named Candora. Candora was a woman of great intellect, or so she thought. She believed her knowledge and opinions were always right and never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen. She was a legend in her own mind! 

Candora was convinced she was more intelligent than anyone else in the village. She would often scoff at others’ ideas and dismiss them. She rarely considered the viewpoints of others but, instead, would go on and on about her own opinions.

Candora’s reputation as a know-it-all spread throughout the village. People avoided her, and no one wanted to have a conversation with her. Even when Candora was proven wrong, she refused to admit it and would instead stubbornly declare herself right.

One day, a wise old man came to the village. He was renowned for his knowledge and wisdom, and everyone in the village respected him. Candora was intrigued and decided to talk to him. She was sure that her intelligence and wisdom surpassed his and wanted to prove to the village that she was the most intelligent person around.

The old man listened patiently to Candora’s endless opinions and ideas. He didn’t say a word but quietly listened. Candora was pleased with herself, thinking that she had impressed him.

Finally, the old man spoke, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions,” (Proverbs 18:2 (NIV) Candora was taken aback. She had never heard those words or been confronted in this way before. She was moved in her heart. The old man continued, God’s word says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” (Proverbs 12:15 NLT)  Instead of Candora feeling mad, she felt instantly ashamed. She suddenly realized she had been foolish in her pride, attitude, and behavior. And at that moment, though she could never admit it,  she knew why she had no real friends.

As tears welled up in her eyes, she begged him to forgive her for her arrogance and asked him to teach her more about God. He invited her to assemble with the village people later that day, where He would be teaching God’s word to them all. As the people of the village arrived, they were astounded to see her there. She was sitting on the floor as close to his feet as possible. And to everyone’s astonishment, she sat quietly while he spoke without offering a word, but instead, intently listening!

From that day on, Candora made a conscious effort to listen to others and to seek understanding instead of always insisting on her own opinions. She anchored herself in a verse the old man taught her that day. Proverbs 26:12 (NIV) “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Over time, Candora grew a new and deep love for God and His word. She would never be the same. And her reputation changed. People started to seek her out for advice, and they respected her for her newfound wisdom. Candora had learned the most valuable lesson of her life! That it’s not enough to be smart; one must also be willing to listen and learn from others. And especially when it comes to learning about God and His Word.

James 4:6 (NKJV) “…God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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