What steps can we take to become "he who listens to counsel"? Verse in Focus “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) Why Listening Matters • Scripture links teachability with wisdom and blessing (Proverbs 19:20; 13:10). • God often speaks through His Word and through people who faithfully apply that Word (Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:17). • Refusing counsel places us in the company of fools and invites needless strife (Proverbs 11:14). Barriers to Hearing Counsel • Pride: “Arrogance leads only to strife” (Proverbs 13:10). • Impatience: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Wrong influences: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1–2). Practical Steps to Cultivate a Listening Heart 1. Humble Yourself Daily – Acknowledge that you do not see every angle. – Pray Psalm 139:23–24, inviting the Lord to reveal blind spots. 2. Anchor in Scripture First – Read, meditate, and memorize God’s Word so that every piece of human advice is filtered through truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 3. Choose Wise Counselors • Mature believers with proven character. • Leaders who watch over your soul (Hebrews 13:17). • Friends who fear the Lord more than they fear your opinion (Proverbs 27:6). 4. Listen Actively – Take notes. – Repeat back what you heard to ensure clarity. – Resist forming a rebuttal while the other person is still speaking. 5. Weigh Counsel Prayerfully • Compare every suggestion with Scripture. • Seek confirmation from multiple godly sources when the decision is weighty (Proverbs 11:14). 6. Obey Promptly When Counsel Aligns with God’s Word – Wisdom is proven by action, not by mere agreement (Matthew 7:24). 7. Invite Accountability • Ask counselors to follow up. • Provide honest progress reports. 8. Remain Teachable for Life – David listened to Nathan (2 Samuel 12); Solomon listened in his early years; Rehoboam did not (1 Kings 12). Learning or declining to learn shapes entire destinies. The Blessings Attached • Growing wisdom that benefits future decisions (Proverbs 19:20). • Protection from avoidable conflict and downfall (Proverbs 11:14). • Deeper fellowship with believers and with Christ, whose voice is ultimately behind every righteous counsel (John 10:27). Living It Out Today Wake up each morning determined to hear before you speak, to seek Scripture before you decide, and to welcome godly input before you act. In doing so, you will embody “he who listens to counsel,” and the Lord will continually weave wisdom into every part of your life. |
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