I Don’t Know

(Pro 17:27 KJV) He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

I think it is fairly common for us to talk too much.  People ask us a question and we feel we need to answer with more than a raised eyebrow or, “I don’t know.”  In some situations I am comfortable with that but usually I feel the person asking knows even less than I do.  In those cases I try to start with an “I don’t know, but....”  Having confessed my ignorance I then try to use what I do know to come to a logical conclusion. 

It works for me but it often does not work for the other person.  They never seem to hear the “I don’t know”.  It would probably be better to stop right after the “know” and before the “but”.

So?  Keep in mind that the person asking possibly did not want to know and won’t listen to what you have to say anyway.  In our ego we believe that people value our opinion.  Don’t count on it.  Restrain yourself.