Everyone gives counsel. Everyone has an opinion or advice. The key skill we need to learn is how to sift through all the different counsel and opinions. It is a learned skill to find truth versus relying on opinion.
On my smartphone, I have no less than 5 weather apps. My wife always asks, “Why do you have so many weather apps?” My justification, one does better at the current weather. Another does better at future weather predictions. The newest apps are amazing at a current radar picture. They give details with animation to watch the approaching storm.
As I look at my phone in amazement of all the counsel it is giving me. My wife shakes her head at my technological euphoria of knowledge at my fingertips. One of my daughters overhearing our conversation, asks, “Daddy, why don’t you just look outside? You know that is where the weather is actually located.”
Many times the most accurate counsel we seek is right around us. If you like me, at times you’re looking in the wrong place. “The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.” Proverbs 18:15.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we learn to be discerning on the counsel we receive. Is this trustworthy advice a friend is telling me? Will listening to them help my situation? But a more important question is, what is God’s advice on my current issue.
A few verses earlier in Proverbs 18:13 we see the warning. “The one who gives an answer before he listens – this is foolishness and disgrace for him.” I don’t want to be a fool and God doesn’t want us to be foolish. Our readiness to give an answer before having all the facts leads us to become fools with the counsel we give.
Mothers and fathers, is the counsel you give your children trustworthy? Is it grounded in biblical scripture?
Teenagers, is the advice from you peers going to benefit your future? Or is about living for the moment?
Adults, is the massive amount of news at our fingertips making us able to make informed decisions? Or is it time that we stick our heads out the window and look at the weather for ourselves instead of relying on an app?
I want to be one who seeks wise counsel. “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12. Take encouragement today in the fact that God has provided us with wisdom we can trust. Search God’s word, rely on God’s word, and share God’s word. The impact of wise counsel from God’s word will transform your life and the lives around you. Seek wise counsel today!
