READ: Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 13:10, 20:18
In the previous
day we considered the importance of planning and diligence. Today, we need to
emphasize that our planning is never meant to be a “solo” job. God has created
us in a way where we’ll need the counsel of others. Others will, at times,
provide significant counsel because of their life experience or expertise in a
specific area, or simply because God has revealed something very significant to
them.
As Proverbs makes
very clear, “the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens
to advice” (12:15). Again, we return to the topic of wisdom and we see that a
life of wisdom can be partially built on the advice of others. Of course, it
takes humility to listen to what others have to say. It also takes the
commitment of time to gather the opinion of others. If we struggle with
impatience, this will be difficult! However, we need to realize that in the end the time spent seeking the
counsel of others will be well worth it! For, “where there is no guidance, a
people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (11:14). Ah
yes, safety! This is what we want! To have it, we need an abundance of
counselors.
What does this
mean to have “an abundance of counselors”? Certainly we cannot consult lots of
people EVERY time we make a decision. Instead, it’s best to have a list of
people, perhaps 8-10, that we can seek on a regular basis when we are making
decisions or considering certain aspects of our lives. At different times we
may ask only a few, but it’s vital that we don’t always ask the same person.
Variety can help immensely! In this, as in all things, Jesus the Shepherd can
direct our path to the right people at the right time. He is really good at
this, when we ask!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Are
you a person that asks others for advice? There’s a balance here – we must not
let people replace the wisdom we can get from God. However, He often speaks
through others. Check your life – do you humbly
ask enough questions?
2.
Write
down the list of people that you seek counsel from. Now bring this list before
God. Ask Him if anyone should be added or deleted. Then ask Him – is there any
area of your life that you need counsel in right now. Ask Him who to talk to .
. .
