The way of fools seems right to them but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 NIV
Advice is easy to find, but how do you discern if it is wise or not? There is no shortage of advice sources out there. Social media pages, authors, celebrities, family members, you know as well as I do that it’s easy to find a voice that’s willing to share thoughts and ideas with you. But not all advice is good advice, and not all advisers are worth listening to for very long. The Bible teaches us to seek wisdom and counsel from others, so who should we really be listening to?
A wise counselor is humble.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV
This passage in James describes two different forms of wisdom, one that is found in the world, and one that is from the Lord. When you are considering who you might turn to for advice, look for the person that has humility. Jesus Himself said that “wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” So a person with a track record of humility and service is someone you can trust to give you wise advice. You don’t need to heed the self-proclaimed wisdom of the other kind of person discussed in James.
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16 NIV
Selfishness, jealousy, and earthly desires are attributes found in a person who may offer counsel, but who doesn’t have true wisdom to share. Questions like, “What’s in it for me?” don’t have a place in the vocabulary of a disciple of Christ.
A wise counselor listens to God.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
What is perhaps the most important trait to look for in an adviser for your life is whether or not they listen to God in their own life. This person will be marked by faithful obedience to God’s Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit in their life. They will have obvious fruit growing that distinguishes them as an ambassador of Jesus. You can trust that they will steer you in the right direction because they are being steered by the Lord. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, a teacher, and a reminder of His own teachings. Someone filled with and led by the Holy Spirit will be the best kind of person to seek advice from, because you aren’t just asking a person for their ideas, you are trusting God’s wisdom and teaching displayed through that person.
Who can you help this week?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
In the body of Christ, there will be times when you need advice, and times when someone needs advice from you. Some people are naturally good listeners and good advisers, but all of us are called to walk the narrow road and to help each other walk it. So, are you growing in wisdom? Are you increasingly humbled by God’s love and grace? Are you led by and filled with the Holy Spirit, listening to God and faithfully obeying His will? To put it plainly, are you following Jesus? It is my prayer that we would all answer a resounding, “Yes!” when we consider these questions. And I am confident that as you pursue Jesus, He will use you to help the people around you, just as He works through them to help you. This week, follow Jesus by serving others and seeking to know Christ more in the Word.
