Advice
Good Morning,
Countless tragedies have been caused by bad counsel. Most of us know the story of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who listened to the young men instead of the older men. A nation was split, and countless troubles were caused by this bad counsel. In the life of David, we find another instance of heeding bad counsel.
1 Chronicles 19:3 “But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?”
David sent comforters to the son of the king who had recently died. David was a veteran, a kind neighbor, and one who sought to do right and to be a help; but the son received bad counsel, and suddenly made a friend into an enemy. Poor counsel caused the young king to think that David was an evil enemy. Do not read into that which is not there. Presumptions and opinions are not facts. Find facts; talk to those who are accused, and be sure of the information before you act. Much grief would have been avoided had Hanun just “emailed” David (or whatever they used) and discovered the facts. Stupid, slanderous, and evil counselors caused no end of hurt to Hanun and to his kingdom.
What folly to listen to unproven and unreliable counsel, when years of experience tells us otherwise. The trouble caused by listening to an “outsider” or someone with no track record is like cancer – it just keeps on hurting. Politicians, coaches, and managers of businesses will move into a new position, and as soon as possible may bring in their own management team. It is not an insult against the former managers, but those who have been tested by time at the side of the new boss have an element of trustworthiness and reliability; the former managers are unknown to the new boss. Of course, many have differences of opinion on this policy in business, but the fact remains that it happens, whether the decision is wise or not.
We should not only get counsel from someone who knows their field, but also from one who is tested by time and proven. Likewise, when counsel or “suggestions” are offered, it is wise to talk to those close to the situation and find out some facts.
Young parents need much information, yet often the information they receive is foolish. Regarding medical advice, parents need to prayerfully and wisely seek medical advisors. When it comes to training, to developing character, to educating, and to shaping the individual, I would suggest parents prayerfully observe the children of those who are offering opinions. See what kind of long-term success this person has had with their ideals and child-rearing methods. We must understand that some people we would trust with medical issues should not be trusted with financial or child-training issues.
I have known doctors to whom I would trust my life physically who knew little about marriage or children. They were good people, but I guarded their advice regarding other areas that may influence my world.
Notice what Solomon said about going to battle: Proverbs 20:18 “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” With GOOD ADVICE make war. We all understand that there is no end of bad advice. May we prayerfully seek godly, proven advice.
Pastor