The statement Jesus made in John 13:17 is an interesting one. In this context He is talking about the lesson in humility that He had just taught the apostles by washing their feet. The principle is applicable in many other areas as well. Look at the statement in detail. Jesus says that if you know these things (His teachings on any subject) that you are “blessed” or so very happy IF YOU DO THEM! What if you know these things but you DON”T do them? Much unhappiness is caused by this very thing. People know what God requires of them but for some reason or other they refuse to do the right thing. This leaves one in a miserable state. They are unhappy because their conscience bothers them. They are caught between the proverbial “rock and a hard place” knowing what to do but unwilling to do it. In Proverbs 27:8 we read, “Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.” When we wander away from God and refuse to come back we can never really be happy in this life.