How can we actively "listen to counsel" in our daily lives today? Scripture Spotlight “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20) Why Listening to Counsel Matters • God speaks wisdom through Scripture, His Spirit, and His people; ignoring that wisdom invites loss (Proverbs 1:24–27). • Counsel and discipline are God-given tools that shape lifelong wisdom (Hebrews 12:11). • Obedience brings blessing: “Blessed are all who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) Everyday Practices for Active Listening • Begin with Scripture first: – Read, meditate, and memorize daily (Psalm 119:105). – Note specific commands or principles, then frame the day around them. • Cultivate a humble posture: – Admit personal blind spots (Proverbs 12:15). – Receive correction without defensiveness, thanking the giver. • Seek proven counselors: – Parents, elders, pastors, mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). – Choose voices marked by consistent godliness, not popularity. • Slow down before speaking: – “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) – Pause, breathe, and replay what you heard to be sure you understood it. • Journal insights and action points: – Write the counsel, the related Scripture, and a concrete next step. – Review the list during prayer each evening. • Act promptly on confirmed counsel: – Delayed obedience hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:15). – Small, immediate steps reinforce a listening lifestyle. Testing Counsel by the Word • Agreement with the whole counsel of God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms Scripture’s sufficiency. • Consistency with the character of Christ: Philippians 2:5 encourages the servant mindset. • Confirmation by multiple witnesses: Proverbs 15:22 highlights the safety found in many advisers. • Freedom from sinful motives: James 3:17 describes wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. Staying Teachable for Life • Pray daily for a soft heart and open ears (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep short accounts—repent quickly when resisting counsel. • Surround yourself with truth-tellers, not flatterers (Proverbs 27:6). • Celebrate growth: note each time godly counsel kept you from harm or advanced God’s purposes. Listening to counsel, receiving discipline, and walking it out turn information into transformation, guarding wisdom “the rest of your days.” |
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