I have found in this world the hardest thing to give away to people is some really sound and helpful advice. Not many want to hear that perhaps they have gone about something the wrong way. The thought of failing with that special project or relationship is, often times, too much for the ego to bear. I’m sure we have all had to stand back at some time in our lives and watch someone totally destroy their life simply because they wouldn’t listen. People, do, in fact, learn by struggling on by themselves in their own strength, but, oh my, what a lesson to have to keep repeating!

Perhaps, in the past, you have taken some so-called ‘really sound and helpful advice’ from a friend who was not qualified to offer it, and wished you hadn’t listened to them. Or perhaps you have offered  a friend some ‘really sound and helpful advice’ that turned out disastrous for your friend – who is no longer your friend. We must be very careful how we go about giving or receiving what is considered ‘really sound and helpful advice’ because, after all, isn’t advice often a subjective opinion? Well, it depends on your source of advice. One source that will never lead us astray is to be found directly in the pages of the Holy Bible. Proverbs is a place in the Bible I love to linger. There is so much wisdom in that one small book to keep me, and you, going for the rest of our lives. The central thesis of the Book of Proverbs is that true wisdom comes from fearing God, now, before you turn away, let’s examine what this means: Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding. We are not to read these words as restrictive, but liberating. The ‘fear of the Lord’ actually means to have a awe-inspiring reverence for God’s own wisdom, justice and love. If you are desiring to live a very long life Proverbs 9:11 says: For by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you.  

Read: The Book of Proverbs

PP