Growing as an Enneagram Five: The Thinker预览

Share Your Knowledge

Dear Five, you are very knowledgeable. I know there is a suspicion in the back of your head that you are not, but I want you to hear this: you are a storehouse of intelligence and insight. I don’t even know you, and I have full confidence in saying those words. 

You may not know more than that one person you follow on social media or be as wise as that teacher you admire, but that does not mean you don’t have something important to add to the world. With great knowledge comes great responsibility. I know it may not feel like that when you’re gathering your information. Usually, the accumulation of knowledge is done for fun or for a specific purpose; but have you ever thought about being generous with what you know?

Most Fives have a humble view of their own knowledge, but the Fives who seem to know they are knowledgeable also have an air of pride. They only use their knowledge when they are being paid, or when they’re correcting someone else. Nothing makes an unhealthy Five feel more competent than the feeling of superiority that comes with correcting or shaming someone else. Pride and greed are an ugly mixture in unhealthy Fives, and I do not advise operating out of both simultaneously for fear you may be on the receiving end of a well-earned punch to the nose…but I digress.

To have a right view of your own knowledge means to see it as a gift and be generous with sharing what you know. Have you ever thought of teaching a Sunday school class, donating your time to teach at a homeschool co-op, or writing a blog? 

Sharing your knowledge will require something from you, and that sacrifice might be costly. You may feel worn out, dull, or plain old awkward as you stumble to try to find a right fit for this gift to others, but that doesn’t mean that your obedience isn’t pleasing to God. He doesn’t require five-star, Olympic-standard performances. God smiles at our attempts, and your baby steps bring Him delight. You don’t need to wait until you know more or are more prepared. You can start being generous with your knowledge right now.