Day 99, Year 1 Listening to Counsel Brings Wisdom

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15 NASB)

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20 NASB)

“Counsel” in the two verses of today comes from the same Hebrew word ‘etsah, which also means “advice, plan, purpose, or strategy.” In short, it refers to “practical and beneficial suggestions.” The fools always see their own ways as right, echoing the view of those who consider themselves wise in their own eyes (Proverbs 3:7a). Fools are often trapped in self-contentment, the delusion that their thoughts are always correct. In contrast, wise people are always open to seeking and listening to other practical and beneficial suggestions and planning. It is because wise Christians do not believe we already possess all wisdom. When we are open to suggestions from outside, we are not blindly absorbing external information, but only seek useful and wise counsel. 

One reason why some Christians’ lives do not change much after believing in Jesus is their closed-mindedness. This inadequate openness often stems from their belief that various feasible and good suggestions, wisdom, and knowledge from the unbelieving worlds, or those learnt before they came to Christ, are better than those in the Christian faith. Or what they have found in the unbelieving world is more valuable than the teachings of the Bible. Besides, some people are already adults when they start believing in Jesus. Hence, their ability to absorb the truth might be weaker than in adolescence. Additionally, they might also struggle with the deeply ingrained preconceptions learned from a young age. When accompanied by the lack of ability and habit of deep introspection for transformation, they might find it hard to change their old, un-Christian mindsets and habits, even after knowing God’s wisdom. All these are reasons why some people have difficulty accepting godly counsel.

Indeed, God has another way to lead us toward deep introspection and transformation, that is to accept His “discipline.” Mentioned in the second verse of today, it means “correction, or rebuke.” We could improve naturally if we are open to receiving and accepting corrections for our mistakes. However, sometimes people need heavy discipline or even rebuke before they reflect and change. What was right in the past might be wrong today. For instance, babies sucking their fingers is normal, but it is not quite normal for adults to do the same. The new and useful could be established when the old and useless are demolished. So, if we want to transform without being harshly disciplined by God, simply listen to “counsel,” accept “discipline,” and then change accordingly. Such a believer will surely be happier.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think you are open-minded enough to accept new things and wisdom from God? If not, how would you rely on the Lord to change?

2) Are you afraid of being corrected and even disciplined? If yes, how would you correct your mistakes and constantly pursue improvements?