A “Know It All”

A know-it-all or know-all is a person who obnoxiously purports an expansive comprehension of a topic and/or situation when in reality, his/her comprehension is inaccurate or limited. This display may or may not be directly expressed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Know-it-all#cite_note-1

Synonyms include: smart aleck, wise guy, smarty-pants, walking encyclopedia, arrogant, audacious, bossy, cavalier, cocky, conceited, domineering, egotistic, high and mighty, on an ego trip, overbearing, pompous, pretentious, proud, puffed up, self-important, smug, snooty, stuck up, superior, uppity. http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/know-it-all

I continue to be perplexed by people who don’t want to do anything, but want to complain about how it’s done of those who do. Others consider themselves “experts” about everything, but know very little.

Cases in Point:

#1 – It is so rapport for others to complain about the President of the United States. They complain about what he is doing; not doing; should be doing; etc. Yet, they do not have the qualifications, credentials, education nor the desire, character or skills to do the role.

#2 – Many people are sports “spectators.” They consistently give advice, criticism and detailed instructions to athletes. However, they do not have the skill nor will to make the sacrifices to even be able to compete.

#3- I am personally experiencing this right now. I am constantly getting “unsolicited advice” about being a writer from those who haven’t written anything or published a book.

#4 – Many people, myself included, give a wealth of medical and nutrition advice that we are not following ourselves.

#5 – Some people, particularly politicians and spiritual persons, hold others to very high standards that they cannot even live up to themselves.

The Bible explains:

Philippians 2:14 (NKJV):  14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):  29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

James 5:9 (NIV):  9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Matthew 7:1-2 (NKJV):  7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NKJV):  9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t let someone who has done nothing tell you how to do anything.”

“Never base your life decisions on advice from people who don’t have to deal with the results.”

“Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.” – Mandy Hale

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe                     

“Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.” – Will Smith

“Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.” – Malcolm S. Forbes

“What other people think about you is none of your business.”

“Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” - Isaac Asimov

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” - Mark Twain

It may serve us well to remember this: “Trade your expectation for appreciation and the word changes instantly.” – Tony Robbins