Proverbs 15.22
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12.15)
Ahab and Jezebel did not listen to Elijah, and it doesn’t appear their son Ahaziah is going to listen either. Resisting wise advice and failing to listen to God is a recipe for disaster.
It is a simple rule for an effective life: You are the company you keep. Therefore, choose your friends carefully. Stay away from foolish people and stay close to wise people. To whom do you go for advice? Who are the truth-tellers in your life?
Scripture admonishes us to listen to the insight and advice of wise people. To seek their counsel, get their perspective, and tap into their wisdom and experience. Scripture also warns us to have discernment and recognize who NOT to listen to. Unfortunately, there are many bad advisers in the world. There are many questionable counselors.
Who do you surround yourself with? Who are your advisers? From whom do you seek counsel? Who is in your circle of influence?
This is a cautionary tale for all of us. We must be very careful who we allow into our circle of influence. There is a lot of bad advice out there. It’s imperative to have discernment and recognize who NOT to listen to. We must seek and listen to the advice of the wise, and only the wise.
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13.20)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14.12)
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15.22)
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” (Proverbs 15.31-33)
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” (Proverbs 19.20)
Again… it is a simple rule for an effective life: You are the company you keep. Therefore, choose your friends carefully.
The Lord is calling.
