1. a) Why might someone advise us? b) Why is it important to listen to advice?
We all need advice from time to time. Sometimes, we are the ones who ask someone we respect for advice. In other cases, a brother may be worried about us and make us see that we are about to take a “false step”, that is, about to do something that we would later regret (Gal. 6:1) . Or the advice may come to us when we are corrected after making a serious mistake. Be that as it may, we must listen to the advice, because it is for our good and can save our lives (Prov. 6:23).
2. According to Proverbs 12:15, why should we listen to advice?
The theme text of this article encourages us to listen to “the words of the wise” (Prov. 22:17). No one knows everything in this life; there is always someone who has more knowledge or experience than we do ( read Proverbs 12:15). So when we listen to advice, we show that we are humble, that we are aware of our limitations and that we realize that we need help to achieve our goals. Jehovah inspired King Solomon to write these words: “With many advisers good results are achieved.”—Prov. 15:22.
ILLUSTRATION:
Images of a brother meditating on the different ways in which he can receive advice. An open Bible above him points to ways he can receive indirect advice or direct advice. 1. Indirect advice: the brother listens in a congregation meeting; read the Bible; watch a JW Broadcasting show; study a post. 2. Direct advice: the brother listens to another brother talking to him while showing him something on his tablet; two brothers pay him a shepherding visit.
Which of these two types of advice is more difficult for you to accept? (See paragraphs 3 and 4).
3. In what ways can advice come to us?
Advice can come to us directly or indirectly. What do we mean by indirect advice? The one we receive when we read something in the Bible or in one of our publications that makes us reflect on how we are doing things and motivates us to make the necessary changes (Heb. 4:12). And what is direct advice? It may be the one given to us by an elder or any other mature brother when he realizes that we need to improve on something. If someone gives us advice based on the Bible, he shows that he loves us very much. Therefore, let us show our gratitude by listening to that person and taking his advice seriously.
4. According to Ecclesiastes 7:9, what reaction should we avoid when receiving advice?
Realistically, the most difficult advice for us to accept is the direct one, and it may even offend us. Why? We have no problem acknowledging that we are imperfect. But when someone points out a particular flaw or error, we may have a hard time accepting it ( read Ecclesiastes 7:9). We may make excuses, question the motivation of the person who gave us the advice, or take offense at the way he spoke to us. Or we may even think, “What right does he have to advise me? He's wrong too!" Furthermore, if we don't like the advice, we may ignore it or talk to someone else expecting them to tell us what we want to hear.
5. What will we see in this article?
In this article, we will analyze the example of some biblical characters who rejected advice and others who accepted it. We will also see what can help us to accept the advice and how it benefits us to do so.
REJECTED ADVICE
6. What does Rehoboam's example teach us?
Let's look at the example of Rehoboam. When he became the king of Israel, the people asked him to ease the burdens that his father, Solomon, had placed on them. Rehoboam did a good thing: he consulted the elders of Israel. They told him that if he did what the people asked, he would always have their support (1 Kings 12:3-7). Apparently Rehoboam didn't like that advice, so he went to consult the men who had grown up with him. Those men were probably over 40 years old, so they would have had some experience in life (2 Chron. 12:13). But on that occasion, Rehoboam was given bad advice: they told him to be tougher on the people (1 Kings 12:8-11). Rehoboam received two different pieces of advice. He could have prayed to ask Jehovah which of the two he should follow, but he didn't do that. He accepted the advice he liked best: that of the younger men. And the consequences were disastrous for both the king and the people. In our case, the advice we receive may not always be what we want to hear. But, if they are based on what the Bible says, we must accept them.
7. What do we learn from what happened to Uzziah?
King Uzziah also rejected the advice. Intending to offer incense, he entered a part of the temple that only priests could enter. They said to him: “Uzziah, it is not for you to burn incense for Jehovah! Only priests can burn incense." How did Uzziah react? The Bible says that he "was furious." And why did he reject the advice? It is likely that he, being the king, believed that he could do whatever he wanted. But Jehovah did not see it that way. Had Uzziah been humble, accepted the advice, and left the temple immediately, Jehovah might have forgiven him. But because of his boldness Jehovah struck him with leprosy, and he had that disease “until the day of his death” (2 Chron. 26:16-21).What do we learn from what happened to Uzziah? That if we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval, no matter who we are.
THE ADVICE WAS ACCEPTED
8. How did Job react when advised?
In the Bible, we also find examples of people who took advice, and God blessed them for it. Let's look at the case of Job. Although he wanted to please God, he was not perfect. When he was under a lot of pressure, he said things that were not right. And so he received direct advice from Elihu and Jehovah. What was Job's reaction? He was humble and accepted the advice. He said, "I spoke without understanding." And he added: "I take back what I said and repent in dust and ashes." Jehovah blessed Job for being humble (Job 42:3-6, 12-17).
9. How did Moses react when Jehovah corrected him, and why is he a good example for us?
Moses is a good example of someone who accepted Jehovah's correction after making a serious mistake. On one occasion, he became angry and did not honor Jehovah. Therefore, he missed the opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Num. 20: 1-13). When Moses expressed to Jehovah how disappointed he was with that decision, he told him: “Never speak of it to me again” (Deut. 3:23-27). Instead of becoming bitter, Moses accepted that decision, and Jehovah continued to use him as the leader of the nation of Israel.— Deut. 4:1. Job and Moses are good examples for us. Job changed his way of seeing things and did not try to justify himself. Moses showed that he accepted Jehovah's correction by serving him faithfully even after losing something very precious to him.
10. a) According to Proverbs 4:10-13, how does accepting advice benefit us? b) What good attitude have some brothers shown?
If we imitate the example of faithful men like Job and Moses, we will do well (read Proverbs 4:10-13). Many brothers have done that. Emmanuel, * a brother who lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, received advice from some brothers. Let's see what he says: “Some mature brothers in my congregation realized that I was about to shipwreck spiritually and they came to help me. I followed his advice, and thanks to that I have avoided many problems”. A pioneer from Canada named Megan confesses: “The advice I have received has not always been what I wanted to hear, but it has always been what I needed to hear.” And a brother from Croatia named Marko says: “I lost a privilege of service, but I recognize that the advice they gave me helped me regain my balance spiritually.”
11. What did Brother Karl Klein realize?
Another example of someone who benefited from taking counsel is Brother Karl Klein, who was a member of the Governing Body. In his biography of him, he related that Brother Joseph Rutherford, a very good friend of his, once gave him very clear advice. Brother Klein acknowledged that he did not react very well at first. He explained: “The next time [Brother Rutherford] saw me, he said in a cheerful voice, 'Hey, Karl!' But because I was still feeling hurt, I just greeted him under my breath. To this he replied: 'Karl, watch out! The Devil wants to trap you!' I was embarrassed, and I said, 'Oh, it's all right, Brother Rutherford.' But he knew that wasn't true, so he repeated the warning: 'It's okay. Just be careful. The Devil wants to trap you.' How right was he! When we bear a grudge against a brother, especially for saying something he has the right to say […], we expose ourselves to the Devil's snares” * (Eph. 4:25-27). Brother Klein accepted Brother Rutherford's advice, and they remained very good friends.
WHAT WILL HELP US ACCEPT ADVICE?
12. How does humility help us to accept advice? (Psalm 141:5).
Humility will help us accept advice. This quality reminds us of how imperfect we are and how foolish we can be at times. As we have seen, Job had a wrong way of thinking, but he later corrected it. He was humble and accepted Elihu's advice even though he was a much younger man than he was (Job 32:6, 7). Jehovah blessed Job for being humble. Humility also helps us to follow advice, even when we think we don't need it or when the person giving us advice is younger than us. An old man from Canada says: “We don't see ourselves as others see us. So how are we going to progress if nobody advises us? Who does not need to keep cultivating the fruit of the spirit and keep improving as a teacher? (Read Psalm 141:5).
13. How should we view the advice we receive?
Let's see advice as a sign of God's love. Jehovah wants what is best for us (Prov. 4:20-22). When he gives us advice through his Word, a Bible publication, or a mature brother, he shows us that he loves us. And, as Hebrews 12:9,10 says, he "he does it for our benefit."
14. What should we focus on when giving us advice?
Let's focus on what they tell us, not how they tell us. Sometimes, it may seem to us that the person who gave us advice did not do it in the best way. Of course, the one who gives advice should strive to give it in such a way that it is easy to accept (Gal. 6:1). * But, if we are the ones who receive the advice, we must focus on the message, even if we think that it was not given in the best way. We might ask ourselves, “Even though I don't like the way the person gave me the advice, is there a point? Can I overlook his shortcomings and benefit from what he told me? It would be good if we found a way to take advantage of any advice they give us (Prov. 15:31).
ASKING FOR ADVICE BRINGS BENEFITS
15. Why is it good for us to ask for advice?
The Bible encourages us to seek advice. Proverbs 13:10 says, "Wisdom accompanies those who ask advice." And what a great truth that is! Those who ask for advice instead of waiting for it often make more progress spiritually. So let's take the initiative and ask for advice.
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. A young sister shopping online. She is noticing a revealing blouse and tight pants. 2. The young sister shows a mature sister what she would like to buy.
Why does this young sister ask a mature sister for advice? (See paragraph 16).
16. In what situations could we ask for advice?
In what situations might we ask someone in the congregation for advice ? Let's see some. 1) A sister asks an experienced publisher to go with her to teach a class and then asks what she can improve on. 2) A single sister wants to buy some pants, so she asks a mature sister to give her honest opinion on the ones she has chosen. 3) A brother has his first public talk in the congregation and asks an experienced speaker to listen carefully when she introduces him and then give him some suggestions. Even those who have been giving talks for many years do well to ask other brothers for advice and put it into practice.
17. What must we do to benefit from advice?
Surely, in the coming weeks or months we will all receive some advice, be it direct or indirect. When that happens, let's remember what we've seen in this article: let's be humble, focus on what they tell us—not how they tell us—and put it into practice. No one is born wise. But if we listen to advice and accept discipline, the Bible promises that we will become wise (Prov. 19:20).
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What do we learn from biblical characters who rejected advice?
We learn that the advice we receive may not always be what we want to hear. But, if they are based on what the Bible says, we must accept them. If we reject the advice of the Bible, we will lose Jehovah's approval, no matter who we are.
What do we learn from the biblical characters who accepted the advice?
That we have to be humble and accept the advice they give us. Job and Moses are good examples for us. Job changed his way of seeing things and did not try to justify himself. And Moses showed that he accepted Jehovah's correction by serving him faithfully even after losing something very precious to him.
What will help us accept advice?
Humility will help us accept advice. This quality reminds us of how imperfect we are and how foolish we can be at times. We have to see the advice as a sign of God's love.
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