“Man, know thyself” is an ancient truth—an aphorism inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece—emphasising self-awareness, recognising one’s limitations, and acknowledging one’s mortality.
Man, know yourself. It refers to humanity, but particularly to the male species. Know your strengths, know your weaknesses, know your capacities, know your limitations, and know your threats.
Number two: man, know your family—your immediate family. If you go to Genesis chapter 49, Jacob was, in a sense, declaring his will. He knew all his children. He observed them, kept records, and spoke about each one. When he got to Reuben, he said, “You are as unstable as water. You are the excellency of my strength, but you shall not excel because you went into my couch.” Reuben had carnal knowledge of his father’s wife. He was the first son, yet he lacked character. As a result, there was hardly any prominent person that emerged from his tribe.
Know your children. Know what they can do. Know who they are. There are some children who become enemies of the family. There are some who hate excellence. Know the child that hates the family, the one that resents his or her siblings, the one that can manage resources, and the one that can manage opportunities.
Do not let filial love make you foolish. There are children you may need to settle far from others. Abraham settled Isaac apart from his brethren because he understood the risks. Jacob understood temperament. He knew each child and spoke accordingly about their future.
Man, know your wife. Study her. People hardly change suddenly; they reveal themselves gradually. Life is made of signs and wonders—pay attention to the signs, or you will face the wonders.
The child you give money to and they return the balance—take note. The one who takes from your room without informing you—take note. The woman who becomes excessively authoritative when she has money—take note. Plan for your old age, or you will be frustrated.
Wife, know your husband. Study him. Do not let love blindfold you. Verify his statements. A husband who is a chronic liar will betray you. A man who squanders money should not be trusted with money. Likewise, a woman who squanders money should not be trusted with money.
Man, know thyself. Man, also know those around you.
We will be talking more about family in the next discussion. God bless you.
