Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.
Proverbs 15: 21-24 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
1828 Noah Webster Dictionary
Counsel: (n) 1. Advice; opinion, or instruction, given upon request or otherwise, for directing the judgement or conduct of another; opinion given upon deliberation or consultation. Every purpose is established by counsel. Prov . xx 2. Consultation; interchange of opinions. We took sweet counsel together. Ps lv. Counsel (v): 1. To give advice or deliberate opinion to another for the government of his conduct; to advise. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire Rev. iii. 2. To exhort, warn, admonish, or instruct. We ought frequently to counsel our children against the vices of the age.
Benjamin Franklin said: “They that will not be counseled, cannot be helped.”
What is your level of tolerance for receiving counsel from another? Do you take offense or are you eager to listen to another’s opinion? If we are with someone who cares about us, it shouldn’t be difficult to listen to their advice. But have you ever heard wisdom from a cranky boss or coworker that made you think, “I need to receive this counsel”? Maybe you got good advice from someone, and it caught you off-guard. God also uses these unexpected people to train us.
I once had a boss call me into his office and give me a strong lecture about the importance of arriving at work on time. I was young, and I was humiliated by the experience. However, that was a bit of a turning point for me. Although I’m not perfect, I am now a person who is prompt for her appointments. I wasn’t looking for that scolding, but I did acknowledge the wisdom in it, and I did adjust my habits to become a person who is punctual.
Our ability to be humble and listen to the opinions of others can move us to improvement, or in some cases even save our lives. Imagine ignoring the advice of a surgeon when you are experiencing appendicitis. Imagine little children who are learning so many things about being safe in our world. Children must learn to cross streets safely, wash before eating, and listen to adults and obey them without a constant stream of arguing. If they have inclination to frequently ignore and disobey their parents, they will very easily become injured.
Adults, too, should be able to listen and learn. Our level of humility affects our ability to receive wisdom. Adults as well as children should be open to counsel, advice, correction and even rebukes.
I try to practice the art of receiving no offense. Jesus received no offense when he was hauled before the authorities and persecuted to the point of His death on the cross. He was contrite and had a humble spirit as He endured the will of His Father that day. Without Jesus choosing submission to his Father on that world-changing day there would be no cross, no gospel. We would not have salvation!
If we are willing to consider what others advise, it can rarely harm us in any way. Listening patiently to a friend, parent or family member can be a turning point that allows us to establish better habits and make better choices. We can always choose to discard advice that seems unbiblical or unsound, but there may be something that we can take away from the experience that helps us mature. But the first thing to do is to listen with a humble heart.
We can make a habit of choosing to seek counsel and not rush into decisions impulsively. Are there people in your life that you can turn to when you need wise counsel? I don’t mean checking in with social media or the internet for a quick answer. I mean speaking to a person in your circle who knows you. Someone you can trust to give you their best counsel. It could be parents, siblings, a pastor, or other Christian friends. Who do you know that is also on the narrow path and following Jesus? They are the most qualified individuals to provide advice.
Seeking counsel when you have important decisions to make helps you increase your chances of making the best choice. Most people are rarely asked for their advice. They will be honored to share their thoughts and experiences with you. Why not invite someone out to coffee for a conversation? They just might be able to help you figure out what to do next.
When I am praying and listening, God will bring people to mind that are likely to be wise counselors for me. Sometimes, we all need a hand in walking our journey. Let’s be humble enough that we remember to seek wise counsel when it’s appropriate.
Dear Father in Heaven, I need your help in finding a wise counselor for this situation. Please help me to be humble and turn to others when it’s appropriate. Help me also remember to take no offense and listen patiently to others you have put in my life. I pray you will help me sort out the information I receive and come to a wise conclusion. I put my life and my journey in your hands, Lord. I am open to your Holy Spirit and any avenue you may wish to use to instruct me. I pray for your will to be done in this matter.
In Jesus Holy Name,
Amen.
