I gave myself this short test this morning, and thought you might benefit from it as well. Consider your answers to these two questions:
- When was the last time you gave someone advice?
- When was the last time you asked someone for advice?
If you are like me, it was very simple to answer the first question and much more difficult to answer the second one. If you are like me, you love to give advice but are hesitant to ask for it. If you are like me, giving advice makes you feel good but receiving it makes you feel awkward, weak or defensive.
As in most things, the Bible says that balance is important when it comes to advice. We ought to seek God’s advice first and foremost, but we are also to give and receive advice from each other. Check out all that Proverbs 15 has to say about advice:
Regarding getting advice…
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. Proverbs 15:5 (NLT)
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 (NLT)
Do I want to be wise? Do I want my plans to succeed? If I do, I ought to ask for advice. How often do I ask my spouse or co-worker or boss or neighbor for advice? If I don’t ask for advice, the Bible calls me a ‘fool’.
Regarding giving advice…
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 (NLT)
The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. Proverbs 15:7 (NLT)
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)
How often do I give advice that no one asked me to give? How often do I say the correct words, but in a way that makes tempers flare? Do I make my advice appealing? Is the advice I give people for my benefit or theirs? How often do I give good advice, but at the wrong time?
Here is the challenge:
Can I go an entire day without giving anyone advice? Can I instead seek the advice of the people God has put into my life? How might they respond? How might I benefit? How might God be glorified?
