They Think They Are Wise

While reading a talk by President Nelson I came across a book of Mormon scripture that made me ponder about the way my perceived wisdom can get in the way of my learning and even my happiness. It is 2 Nephi 9:28-29 and says,

 “O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
...But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.”

As I read this scripture I had a sudden realization that I'm guilty of this. There are definitely times where I have been presented with the opportunity to learn great things, but because I felt like I knew it already I missed out. I didn't pay attention or I didn't place enough value on this message because I thought I didn't need it.

On the other hand there have been other cases recently in my life where I only just now have listened to lessons I thought I knew before, but because I listened I learned amazing things that have truly helped me to be healthier and happier.

Oftentimes in the Church we start to feel like we've heard it all before, we know the doctrine, we've heard the lessons 10 times or we've even taught it everyday for a couple years ourselves. Because of that, it's easy to feel like we don't need the lessons we hear. As Jacob says, we "set it aside supposing [we] know of [ourselves]" But just like those Jacob counsels, this profiteth us not and can even lead to us missing out on great blessings.

As we instead follow the Savior's counsel to be meek as little children we will be able to open our ears and hearts to hear the messages God has for us in every lesson or talk we hear. We will be uplifted and blessed and find great truth that we never would have found otherwise.