The religious people of Jesus’ time knew the scriptures. Each man had to have at least Genesis through Deuteronomy memorized. Leaders had the books of the prophets memorized. Knowing what the scriptures taught about the messiah, they still did not trust Jesus. Jesus said to them “You search the scriptures because "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life” (John 5:39-40).
Paul wrote, “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3:6).
Spiritual pride is a favorite tool of the enemy of our souls. It makes us un-teachable and blinds us to our errors.
