Advice

Advice reminds us that no matter our age or status, God honors a teachable heart more than a prideful spirit unwilling to grow.

“A poor yet wise youth is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.”—Ecclesiastes 4:13 NASB

Which people are most eager to receive advice? To grow and learn? Often they are the people with the greatest need: people craving knowledge, those desperate for answers to difficult questions, apprentices wanting to advance in their careers.

As we become successful, we can become less interested in the advice of others, more set in our ways, proud and arrogant, and prone to trust in ourselves.

We can be like the “old and foolish king” described in the Bible—a man whose success had blinded him to his own weaknesses. He had become satisfied, not realizing God was trying to get his attention and teach him much more.

It’s better to be like “a poor yet wise youth,” a person who’s humble and teachable, ready to listen and learn.

As the Bible reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18). “The pride of humanity will be humbled” (Isaiah 2:17). And “a person’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Proverbs 29:23).

Stay humble before God. Fill your mind and heart with His Word. Let Him speak to you and correct you. Seek to be teachable. Continually listen to the voice of His Spirit, ready to learn.

Reflection Question: Are you still open to God’s correction and instruction today?