WISDOM WEDNESDAY – PROBE FOR WISE COUNSEL
Solomon has given us this advantageous bit of wisdom in Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no advice, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (or security).”
Wow! That tells me I can gain wise guidance from extraordinary advisors and strategists. (Notice the plurality and description of such people.)
Still, few people go to counselors. If this is true, and I believe it is, this leads to an elegant question: Why do so few people seek advice from a multitude of counselors, so clearly directed in this given proverb? Over my long life research, seemingly people tend to:
- BELIEVE they themselves are the wisest in the room.
- RESIST advice. How often have you heard, “Let me make my own mistakes”?
- DISCUSS only with those who will support their own decision.
- AVOID even trying to seek wise people since it takes a focused time commitment.
I conclude: If people like the message (advice), they will like the messenger. Conversely, if people reject the message, they will reject the messenger.
Based on our biblical proverb, it is prudent to have a core of wise human mentors for life skills, career, family, physical health, and spiritual wholeness. These qualified mentors should be worthy of being imitated and have a proven track record.
Beyond all others, the most inclusive mentor will be JESUS. Isaiah called Him the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR (Isaiah 9:6). We must trust His heart because He knows and loves us the best.
