Listening to Advice to gain Wisdom

Advice has to be one of the most affordable form of wealth available to man. More often than not, advice is even free! Why then do so many among us ignore good advice?

I can remember countless times when I should have listened to good advice yet didn’t. I am also proud to admit I was right in not listening to advice from more unreliable sources. But how do we know which advice to consider? And which to ignore?

Only God knows the answer to that question.

However, I am confident one reliable source is the bible. We are called to not only listen to advice, but driven to gain wisdom through it. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” (Proverbs 19:20)

I am blessed to have extensive experience in the areas of design and marketing. Through this ministry, I continue to consult with Christian business owners and entrepreneurs on a part-time basis providing answers to questions pertaining to photography, web design and online marketing.

Any given day, I give advice to one or many. I always make certain I know what I’m talking about otherwise, I let people know I’m sharing an opinion rather than advice. I believe there is a big difference between the two.

Formerly a full time consultant, I used to charge upwards of $250.00 an hour for advice. Those who could afford my fee listened carefully. However, since devoting my life to Christ, I decided to offer my professional savvy at little or no charge. I soon realized that many people who received freebies ignore my advice, specially those close to me. Much like Jesus, I seem to have lesser impact on those who have known me the longest rather than complete strangers. In the gospel, Jesus said “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4)

It is unfortunate those we love and cherish most are also the ones who ignore advice. The price they pay to learn from their mistakes comes at both our expense seeing how our own wisdom was gained at a price.

The bible features scripture that should inspire all of us to listen to advice:

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)

By insolence the heedless make strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10)

Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who will no longer take advice.” (Ecclesiastes 4:13)

God is clear on this topic. Either listen to advice or you’re a fool! With this in mind and the fact it can make our lives far more enjoyable, I invite you to pay attention next time you seek help then find yourself leaning toward ignoring good advice…

Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your word the bible and everything in it
We praise your word Lord and know all of it is good,
More than good advice it is a collection of maps
Leading us to the way ever lasting.

Lord we pray you will continue to guide us
As we walk the path you have drawn for our lives,
Heading toward your eternal Kingdom
Strengthened by wisdom and also by faith.

Father we want to serve you and share the great news
That your second coming is near
And that your heart awaits a simple prayer
When anyone can receive you as their savior.

May your light cut through the fog all around us
And shine bright upon us, upon our friends,
Our families and all those in need
As we learn to listen to advice as you command us to.

God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Elizabeth St.Pierre
Email: elizabeth@ThriveThroughChrist.com
Phone: 727.674.5681

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre