“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20
Seeking Wisdom
We all face situations where we need to make decisions, whether big or small. Seeking wisdom from others is a huge part of making those choices wisely. The Bible calls us to listen to the advice of those around us who may have more experience or insight. By opening our hearts to guidance, we can learn and grow, becoming wiser in our walk with God. Wisdom is not just gained through our own experiences but also through the shared experiences of our friends, family, and community. When we embrace the counsel of others, we stand to gain a wealth of knowledge that can direct our paths towards righteousness.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 19:8
“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.” – Proverbs 19:8
Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
Counsel from Godly Friends
Having trusted friends who are also grounded in their faith is a tremendous blessing. These friends can offer counsel that is aligned with God’s word. We can lift each other up through our conversations, burdens, and shared journey of faith. It is incredibly important to surround ourselves with people who encourage us spiritually. When we share our problems, ask for advice, and pray together, we connect our hearts and minds to God while also celebrating the bonds of our friendships. Through prayer and honest communication, those God has placed in our lives can share wisdom that reflects His love and truth.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9
Proverbs 15:23
“To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!” – Proverbs 15:23
Proverbs 1:6
“To understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” – Proverbs 1:6
The Importance of Listening
Listening plays a significant role in how we take advice from others. We must be attentive to their words and open to receiving guidance. When we truly listen, we not only grasp the advice being given, but we also show respect and honor to the person sharing it. Listening reflects our willingness to learn and our desire to grow. It’s this very act of listening that helps us discern what aligns with God’s word and what aligns with our desires. By fostering a habit of listening, we will encounter more wisdom that can guide us in life.
Proverbs 2:2
“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.” – Proverbs 2:2
Proverbs 18:13
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 8:32-33
“And now, O sons, listen to me: Blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” – Proverbs 8:32-33
Isaiah 50:4
“The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” – Isaiah 50:4
Luke 11:28
“But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'” – Luke 11:28
Embracing Correction
Taking advice sometimes comes alongside correction. It is vital to embrace these moments as opportunities to grow rather than viewing them as negative experiences. In our journey with God, we need to trust that a loving correction is a form of guidance. When we allow the words of others to redirect us or light up our blind spots, we are choosing to understand our shortcomings and working toward improvement. Accepting correction can be challenging, but scripture provides numerous insights on the importance of humility and growth in the face of feedback.
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1
Proverbs 15:31
“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31
Proverbs 29:1
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” – Proverbs 29:1
Proverbs 10:17
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” – Proverbs 10:17
Hebrews 12:11
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Building a Supportive Community
Another way to actively take advice from others is by building a community that cultivates support through trust and understanding. Together, we can share our struggles, offer advice, and grow closer to one another as we grow in our faith. When we strengthen our bonds at church, in our small groups, or among our friends, we create an environment where it’s easy to receive guidance. This community serves as a safe place for everyone to express their feelings and seek support. As we encourage each other through prayers and shared wisdom, we will deepen our relationships while also growing in faith.
Acts 15:2
“And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.” – Acts 15:2
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 24:6
“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” – Proverbs 24:6
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Growing Through Guidance
Lastly, receiving advice from others allows us to grow spiritually. Each piece of advice is a stepping stone to deeper understanding and relationship with God. When we apply biblical principles offered in advice, we begin to see the transformation in our lives. Seeking guidance reminds us that we are continually learning and evolving in our faith. It shows our humility and recognition that we can’t do it all alone. God often speaks to us through other people, allowing us to learn from their experiences and insights, shaping our journey towards becoming who He intended us to be.
1 Corinthians 2:12
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:12
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalms 119:105
Romans 15:14
“I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” – Romans 15:14
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” – Proverbs 4:7
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
Final Thoughts
As we have explored taking advice from others today, it becomes clear that seeking wisdom is essential in our lives as Christians. We are encouraged to seek counsel from those we trust and listen earnestly. Embracing correction and building a supportive community can help guide us in our journey of faith.
We should remember that accepting advice can also spur our growth and strengthen our relationships with God and others. Together, we can be wiser and more equipped to face life’s challenges.
Let us lift one another up in prayer and support as we navigate our interactions with friends and the world around us. If you ever wish to find out more, feel free to explore more topics such as gathering information or friendship in Proverbs.