What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of listening to wise counsel? Job 34:34 at a Glance “Men of understanding will say to me, and the wise man who hears me.” Wisdom’s Refrain in Proverbs • Proverbs 1:5 — “let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel” • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 12:15 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 13:10 — “Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 19:20 — “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, and you will be wise for the rest of your days.” • Proverbs 24:6 — “Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” Lessons in Narrative Form • Exodus 18:17-24 — Moses benefits from Jethro’s counsel, preserving his strength and improving justice for Israel. • 1 Kings 12:6-15 — Rehoboam rejects the elders’ advice, embraces the reckless words of his peers, and splits the kingdom. • Esther 4:13-14 — Mordecai’s wise appeal moves Esther to act, saving her people. • Acts 15:6-22 — The Jerusalem Council models collective discernment for the early church. New-Covenant Echoes • James 1:19 — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Listening precedes speaking or acting. • Ephesians 4:11-15 — Pastors and teachers equip saints so the body “may grow up in all things into Christ,” guarding against deception. • 1 Peter 5:5 — “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ” Humility opens the ear to counsel. Patterns to Notice • Wise counsel preserves: nations (Proverbs 11:14), households (Exodus 18), churches (Acts 15). • Rejecting counsel fractures: kingdoms (1 Kings 12), relationships (Proverbs 13:10), personal futures (Proverbs 19:20). • Humble listening is a mark of wisdom; stubborn independence is Scripture’s definition of folly. Putting It into Practice • Seek multiple, godly voices before major decisions (Proverbs 15:22; 24:6). • Test counsel against Scripture’s unchanging standard (Acts 17:11). • Cultivate humility that welcomes correction (Proverbs 19:20; 1 Peter 5:5). Scripture’s witness is clear: ears open to wise counsel experience God’s safeguarding hand, while closed ears invite avoidable pain. |
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