Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:15
Giving and receiving advice is risky business. Proverbs 12:15 gives us this warning about advice: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”
It can be easy to give advice. It can be easy to complain when our advice is ignored. On the other hand, it can be hard to admit it when the advice that we’ve offered wasn’t so good or when we should have accepted good advice rather than acting on our own.
Therefore, it’s best to do a lot of thinking, praying, and learning before we begin offer – or accept – advice.
Think through situations thoroughly. Consider all options, and consequences and brainstorm potential outcomes of following any given course of action.
Pray, asking for knowledge, wisdom, and insight. Tell God the situation and ask Him to help you see all the potential outcomes, potential solutions, and potential consequences. Sit back quietly and let God’s Spirit give you direction.
Learn how other wiser people successfully handled similar touch situations. Explain the situation to more mature Christians and ask their advice. Also, look for wise examples in the Bible to follow.
God wants us to make good decisions. He wants us to help others make wise decisions, too. He will help, if we ask, and God’s advice is the best advice we can receive.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 ESV
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me wisdom. Advise me in all situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.