Wise Counsel

Year 6-Day 282: Today, I am grateful for wise counsel.

The best counsel comes from good listeners who learn to ask the right questions. Most of us prefer to look for those who tell us what we want to hear. Constructive criticism must be given and received with encouragement to be valuable.

When God offered Solomon anything... he asked for wisdom. Part of me thinks that means he was pretty wise already, but look at Solomon's prayer:

Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart and you have not requested riches or wealth or glory or the death of your enemies— and since you have not even requested long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern My people over whom I have made you king— therefore wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will also give you riches and wealth and honor unlike anything given to the kings before you or after you.” -2 Chronicles 1:10-12

Here is a great piece of advice from the book of Proverbs. Multiple translations of Proverbs 15:31 give it depth:

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (NIV)

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. (ESV)

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. (NLT)

Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women. (MSG)

Wise counsel can come from unusual places. There are days "slow down" signs flashing on the interstate in road construction are more applicable to life than driving. Listen to the children. Listen to your elders. Listen to the song on the radio that is "the right song at the right time" as they say on our local Christian radio station.

The more we know... the more we realize we have so much more to learn. Note that Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge together. We can pray for that, too. That God's wisdom be infused into any knowledge we gain so we can be useful to the mission and the work of the kingdom.
There is always more to learn... and the need for wise counsel never disappears.

Today, I am grateful for wise counsel.