The Counsel of the Godly

(Prov 12:15 NIV) The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts the wise man that listens to advice, with the fool who refuses to seek the counsel of others. Actually, Solomon has already taught us a great deal about this. Let's do a quick recap:

In chapter three Solomon said, "Do not be wise in your own eyes" (3:7). Matthew Henry commented on that verse and said: "There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom." In chapter 10 Solomon said, "He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray" (10:17).

We all have a level of influence over others and when we fail to seek, receive and apply Godly counsel, we will inevitably lead others astray. Some day we will have to give account for the impact (good or bad) we have had on others.

In chapter 11 Solomon said: "There is safety in having many advisers" (11:14). Solomon understood the fact that leaders cannot accomplish everything by themselves. Great leaders surround themselves without other gifted leaders and then utilize their resources for the collective good.

John Maxwell says, "One is too small a number to achieve greatness." Ken Blanchard said, "None of us is as smart as all of us!" Yes, there is a certain level of safety in knowing that your plan has been vetted by other great minds. And finally, earlier in this same chapter, Solomon said: "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid" (12:1).

If we want to grow we must embrace the discipline required for development. It's never too late to become the person you might have been. But if we want to become that person, it is going to take others. If we are honest with ourselves, we will acknowledge the fact that we have not made it to this stage of our lives alone, and if we are going to make it to the next level, it will require the assistance (wisdom, guidance, support, etc.) of others.

This takes us back to our verse for this morning. What keeps a fool a fool is his (or her) refusal to seek, receive and apply the counsel of others. He thinks he is always right, therefore he does not ask for any advice. Since he never checks his ideas with anyone, he has no way of gauging the soundness of them. He comes to his own conclusions and he becomes wise in his own mind.

However, the wise seek counsel; they listen to advice. That's what keeps them from becoming the fool. They desire to receive wise counsel. They acknowledge the fact that they simply don't know it all. So they value the input of those who have gone before them, who are where they aspire to be, who have the experience to show for it, and who are willing to make the investment in the lives of others.

So what does this mean to you ? It means that you clearly need, and should welcome, the counsel of others. Seeking counsel from those that can provide you coaching, teaching and mentorship is a sure-fire way to receive and develop wisdom. It's what keeps the wise, wise. But if you develop a "know it all" mentality and refuse to seek or receive counsel, you will be the fool Solomon speaks of. Someone said, "A conceited person never gets anywhere because he thinks he is already there." Don't let that be you today!

Father, I know that wisdom can be transferred by association (Prov 13:2), therefore I choose to surround myself with the wise. I seek Godly wisdom and I make the time to avail myself to those who are where I desire and aspire to be. You have given them Godly success and they have a willingness to share their wisdom with others. I shall be one of the people they pour into. I make a demand on the wisdom they have and I declare, by faith, that I shall be worthy of the investment they are willing to make in my life. I receive and apply the counsel of wise men and this attitude will make and keep me wise! In Jesus' name. Amen!