“Wisdom accompanies those who seek advice” (PROV. 13:10).
1. How can we make good decisions and ensure that our plans succeed? (Proverbs 13:10; 15:22)
We can make good decisions and ensure that our plans succeed if we follow the teachings of God's Word and seek guidance, as Proverbs 13:10 and 15:22 indicate.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
To make good decisions and ensure our plans succeed, we must seek advice, as the Bible says in Proverbs 15:22, so that we can achieve good results in our decisions.
The Bible teaches us that to make good decisions, we must seek wise and honest advice. Proverbs 13:10 points out that pride can lead us into error. It suggests that accepting the guidance of others demonstrates humility.
Proverbs 15:22 emphasizes that plans that are discussed with several counselors are more likely to succeed. So, by seeking godly counsel and being willing to listen to it, we increase the likelihood that our plans will be carried out according to Jehovah's will.
2. What has Jehovah promised us?
Jehovah has promised us that he will advise us and will be attentive to us, giving us the advice we need and helping us apply it, just as he says in Psalm 32:8.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As Psalm 32:8 says, Jehovah has promised us: “I will counsel you with my eyes fixed on you.” He assures us that he is attentive to us and is always ready to give us the advice we need, as well as the help we need to apply it in our lives.
Psalm 32:8 says, “I will counsel you with my eyes fixed on you.” This means that it is personal and unique advice for each of us, based on our personality and specific circumstances. This shows us that Jehovah is attentive to each of us and always gives us the advice we need.
Jehovah has promised us that He will counsel us with personal attention, with His eyes fixed on us. This means that He not only gives general guidance, but also pays attention to our individual circumstances to offer us exactly the help we need. As expressed in Psalm 32:8, this promise fills us with confidence, for it confirms that Jehovah desires to guide us closely and lovingly in every step we take.
3. What questions will we answer in this article?
In this article we will answer four questions through the Word of God:
1. What qualities do I need to benefit from the good advice I receive?
2. Who can give me good advice?
3. Why is it good to have an open mind?
4. Why shouldn't I ask others to decide for me?
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This article will answer four fundamental questions that can help us make the most of the advice we receive. Number one, what qualities do I need to benefit from the good advice I receive? Number two, who can give me good advice? Number three, why is it good to have an open mind? And number four, why shouldn't I ask others to decide for me?
Perhaps, when we ask for advice, we ask ourselves some questions. In this article, we will answer, through the Word of God, four questions we may ask ourselves: 1. What qualities do I need to benefit from the good advice I receive? 2. Who can give me good advice? 3. Why is it good for me to have an open mind? 4. Why shouldn't I ask others to decide for me?
“WHAT QUALITIES DO I NEED?”
4. What qualities do we need if we want to benefit from the advice we receive?
If we want to benefit from the advice we receive, we need to be humble and modest, admit that others may have more experience or knowledge than we do, and keep our ears open to the advice that comes from the Bible. If we do this, we will often make better decisions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
To benefit from the advice we receive, it is essential to cultivate humility and modesty. These qualities allow us to recognize that we don't always have all the answers and that others, with more experience or knowledge, can help us make better decisions.
As Micah 6:8 and 1 Peter 5:5 indicate, Jehovah favors the humble and opposes the proud. Therefore, if we want to receive his help, we must be willing to accept and apply what he teaches us through his Word and through other mature Christians.
5. Why might King David have become proud?
King David could have become proud because of his accomplishments and abilities: he was a famous musician, he was chosen by Jehovah as king and received his Holy Spirit, and the people cheered him for his victories, such as the defeat of Goliath. However, David did not allow pride to dominate him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
King David had many reasons to be proud, having accumulated impressive achievements from a young age. He was recognized as a talented musician who played before King Saul, anointed by Jehovah to be the future king of Israel, and he defeated powerful enemies like Goliath. Furthermore, the people acclaimed him for his military victories.
With the impressive record of achievements David had accumulated since his youth, it would have been easy for him to think he didn't need anyone's advice. However, he didn't allow his successes to make him proud, instead maintaining a humble attitude.
6. How do we know David welcomed advice? (See also the image.)
We know that David gladly accepted advice because, as king, he surrounded himself with trusted men to receive it and was always willing to listen to good advice, no matter who gave it. An example is Abigail, whose warning David humbly heeded, thus avoiding making a serious mistake.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that David welcomed advice because, even as king, he surrounded himself with trusted men to advise him. According to First Chronicles 27:32-34, he valued the opinions of wise men like Jehiel and the counselor Ahithophel. This willingness to receive guidance shows that he didn't let pride get the better of him, but maintained a humble attitude.
In the image, David is depicted listening to Abigail's advice, reflecting his humility and how he valued correction, regardless of who it came from.
ILLUSTRATION
King David listens attentively to Abigail, who is sitting on the ground asking him to follow her advice.
King David was humble and heeded Abigail's advice. (See paragraph 6.)
7. What lessons does David's example teach us? (Ecclesiastes 4:13; see also the images.)
David's example teaches us that, even if we have talent or authority, we shouldn't think we know everything or that we don't need advice. It also shows us that we should be willing to listen to any good advice, regardless of who it comes from, to avoid making mistakes that could harm us or others.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
David was humble and listened to Abigail's advice; in this way, he avoided making a serious mistake. From this example, we learn to be humble and that, regardless of our authority, talent, or knowledge, we must recognize that we don't know everything and that we will always need advice, no matter who it comes from. In this way, we will avoid making serious mistakes that harm ourselves and others.
David's example teaches us that, even if we have abilities, accomplishments, or authority, we must always maintain a humble attitude. David didn't allow his position as king to make him believe he didn't need advice. On the contrary, he recognized the value of guidance, even when it came from seemingly less influential people, like Abigail.
As Ecclesiastes 4:13 teaches, it is better to be young and wise than old and foolish, which highlights the importance of being willing to listen. This willingness can protect us from mistakes that affect our lives or the lives of others.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Four elders gathered. One of them becomes agitated. 2. Later, in a vehicle, a young elder who was at the elders' meeting speaks privately to the one who had become agitated.
We must be willing to listen to any good advice, no matter who it comes from. (See paragraph 7.)
“WHO CAN GIVE ME GOOD ADVICE?”
8. Why was David right to seek Jonathan's advice?
David was right to seek Jonathan's advice, because he had a good relationship with Jehovah; he was Saul's eldest son and knew him well. Following this example, we too can seek advice from people who have a good relationship with God and who understand the situation well.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
David was right to seek Jonathan's advice, because he had two key qualities: he had a good relationship with Jehovah and he was well aware of the situation David was facing.
In this case, Jonathan was not only spiritual, but also the son of King Saul, so he could give him a reliable perspective on whether peace with his father was possible.
Thanks to this wise advice based on real knowledge, David was able to act with greater prudence and faith. His example teaches us to seek the advice of spiritual people who fully understand our circumstances.
9. If we need advice, who should we ask? Give an example (Proverbs 13:20).
If we need advice, we should ask someone who has a good relationship with Jehovah and experience in the matter. For example, a young brother who wants to get married could ask for advice from a spiritual couple who knows him well and has been happily married for some time, as they will give him more practical and specific advice.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We should seek advice from someone who, first and foremost, has a good relationship with Jehovah and, in addition, has experience in that specific subject. For example, if a young brother or sister wants to get married, he or she might ask for advice from a couple who have been happily married for some time, rather than from a single friend. The latter might be able to offer helpful and practical advice if it's based on the Bible, but lacks experience on the subject of marriage.
When we need advice, it's important to turn to someone who has a good relationship with Jehovah and who also has experience in the matter at hand. Proverbs 13:20 emphasizes the value of walking with wise men, for this makes us wise as well.
For example, if a young man is considering marriage, a single friend may offer helpful insights, but he will likely receive more practical guidance if he talks to a spiritually engaged, happily married couple who knows him well and can share their experience based on biblical principles.
10. What will we see now?
Having an open mind will help us be willing to listen to something we might not want to hear when we ask for advice. Now we'll see why it's important to have an open mind and why it's not a good idea to ask others to decide for us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Now we'll see why we should have an open mind and whether it's a good idea to ask others to decide for us.
Now that we've learned what qualities help us benefit from advice and who can provide us with reliable guidance, this article will focus on two additional aspects. We'll look at why it's important to have an open mind when receiving advice and also why it's unwise to ask others to decide for us.
We'll explore the importance of having an open mind and why we shouldn't ask others to decide for us. This will help us strengthen our ability to make personal decisions with Christian maturity and under the guidance of biblical principles.
“WHY IS IT GOOD TO HAVE AN OPEN MIND?”
11, 12. a) What should we not do?
We shouldn't ask for advice when, deep down, we've already made the decision and are just looking for someone to agree with us, and when we're told something we don't want to hear, we ignore it, because that shows we're not open-minded.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We shouldn't ask for advice only to be told what's right when we've already decided what we want to do. This attitude shows that we don't have an open mind or a true desire to seek wise guidance.
The negative example of King Rehoboam serves as a warning. If we seek only those who support us without humbly examining other points of view, we can end up making harmful decisions.
We shouldn't ask for advice if we only want it to validate what we've already decided. Jehovah blesses those who sincerely seek counsel and are willing to consider what His Word says, even if it doesn't always coincide with their initial opinion.
11, 12. b) What did Rehoboam do when he had to make an important decision?
Upon becoming king, Rehoboam initially sought the advice of the elders, but later rejected it and preferred to listen only to his younger friends, who told him what he wanted to hear. As a result, his decision led to rebellion among the nation and many problems during his reign.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When he had to make an important decision at the beginning of his reign, he first consulted the elders who had faithfully served his father, King Solomon. This was a good idea, as they had experience and wisdom. However, Rehoboam rejected their advice, possibly because he had already decided to impose more burdens on the people and was only looking for support for that idea. So he turned to his younger friends, who gave him exactly the advice he wanted to hear. By following this bad advice, he caused division in the nation and great problems in his reign.
When Rehoboam had to make an important decision, he initially took the initiative to consult with the elders who had faithfully served King Solomon, but later he rejected their advice and turned to his younger friends, who told him what he wanted to hear, which caused a division in the nation and many problems in his reign.
13. What will help us know if we have an open mind?
To know if we have an open mind, we should ask ourselves: "If I ask for advice and they don't tell me what I want to hear, do I immediately reject it?" This helps us assess whether we are truly willing to listen and consider advice, even if it's not what we want to hear.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We'll get a better idea of whether we're truly open-minded when asking for advice if we ask ourselves the following question: Am I willing to accept a recommendation that doesn't match what I expected or wanted?
Rehoboam's case demonstrates that if we have already made a decision in our heart, even if we consult others, what we are really looking for is confirmation of what we want to do.
When asking for advice, we must examine our intentions and make sure we are willing to listen and consider with humility, even if the advice is not what we wanted to hear.
14. What should we remember? Give an example (see also the image).
We must not forget that the heart is treacherous and that sometimes the advice we need most is the one we least want to hear. For example, a brother who is offered a well-paying job that takes him away from his family asks an elder for advice. Through biblically based counsel, the elder reminds him that his primary responsibility is to care for the spiritual needs of his family. The brother rejects the advice simply because it doesn't align with what he had already decided.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must not forget that the heart is treacherous and can lead us to self-deception, causing us to seek advice only to justify decisions already made, and that sometimes the advice we don't want to hear is the one we need most.
For example, if a brother receives a job offer with a good salary, but it would take him away from his family for long periods, and even though an elder reminds him from the Bible about the importance of caring for his family spiritually, he doesn't accept the advice and continues looking for someone who approves of his idea, this shows that he didn't want guidance, but rather confirmation. This example illustrates how we can ignore Jehovah's guidance if we don't have the right heart and attitude.
ILLUSTRATION
A sister asks several brothers and sisters for advice. She goes from one to another because she doesn't like what she hears.
Are we looking for advice, or are we really just looking for someone to agree with us? (See paragraph 14.)
“SHOULD I ASK OTHERS TO DECIDE FOR ME?”
15. What should we not do, and why?
We should not ask others to decide for us or copy what others do without thinking for ourselves, because Jehovah expects each Christian to make his or her own decisions and use the guidance of the Bible and mature brothers and sisters to make the right choices.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We should not ask others to make decisions for us, because Jehovah expects each Christian to be responsible for his own decisions. Galatians 6:4-5 reminds us that each one must bear his own burden and examine his own conduct.
While it is wise to seek guidance from the Bible and mature brothers and sisters, it is not appropriate to ask, “What would you do in my place?” as that could reflect a lack of maturity or a shirking of responsibility.
Nor would it be right to imitate the decisions of others without reflecting on our own, since each situation is different and requires personal evaluation according to each particular circumstance.
16. What decision did the Corinthian Christians have to make? (1 Corinthians 8:7; 10:25, 26)
The decision the Corinthian Christians had to make was whether or not to eat meat that had perhaps been offered to idols. Some decided they could eat it because they knew idols were nothing, while others decided not to eat it because their conscience prevented them from doing so. This was a personal decision, and Paul emphasized that each person should decide for themselves, without imposing their choice on others or copying what others did.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The Christians in Corinth had to decide whether or not to eat meat that had perhaps been offered to idols before being sold at the butcher shop. Some, with a well-educated conscience, understood that an idol had no real power and that they could eat the meat without guilt, as Paul explained. Others, however, preferred not to because their conscience prevented them from doing so. It was a personal decision. And the apostle Paul didn't tell them which option to choose, but rather emphasized that each person should act according to their conscience and be accountable to God for their decisions.
The Corinthian Christians debated whether they could eat meat possibly offered to idols. Paul explained that an idol has no real power, but each person should act according to their conscience. The decision was personal, and each person was accountable to God for it.
17. What can happen if we just copy what others do? Give an example (see also the images).
If we simply copy what others do, we could weaken our conscience and make decisions without truly understanding what is right. For example, every Christian must decide on the issue of blood fractions, but if a brother accepts them only because everyone else does, he could act without analyzing what the Bible teaches and weaken his own conscience.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A similar situation could arise today when a young person decides whether to follow certain biblical standards regarding entertainment or friendships. If they simply imitate what others do without analyzing biblical principles for themselves, they could make poor decisions.
f we simply copy what others do, we run the risk of weakening our conscience and failing to develop the ability to make fundamental decisions based on biblical principles.
A clear example is the issue of blood fractions. Each Christian must assume the responsibility to investigate and make their own decision based on the Bible and their educated conscience.
If we simply follow the example of others without studying or reasoning for ourselves, we could make a decision without true spiritual conviction, which would affect our relationship with Jehovah and our Christian maturity.
ILLUSTRATION
Picture Series: 1. A brother uses the Bible, lesson 39 of the Enjoy Life book, and the video “Making Good Decisions About the Use of Blood” to fill out the blood refusal card. 2. He then listens to a mature brother showing him a Bible passage.
We should only seek advice after doing our own research. (See paragraph 17.)
LET'S KEEP ASKING FOR ADVICE
18. What has Jehovah done for us?
Jehovah has given us the freedom to make our own decisions, entrusted us with his Word, and provided us with mature friends who help us understand and apply biblical principles. This shows how much he trusts us and fulfills his responsibility as a Father. We can show our gratitude by obeying his teachings, valuing his Word, and seeking the help of mature brothers and sisters to make wise decisions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah has shown that he trusts us by allowing us to make our own decisions. He doesn't force us, but gives us freedom accompanied by his loving guidance.
He has provided us with His Word, the Bible, filled with principles to guide our decisions, and He has also given us mature spiritual friends who can help us understand how to apply those principles in specific situations.
As Proverbs 3:21-23 indicates, Jehovah has fulfilled his responsibility as a Father, giving us what we need to walk safely. This shows us his deep love and respect for our individual freedom.
19. How can we make Jehovah happy?
We can make Jehovah happy when we continue to mature spiritually, are willing to help others, seek counsel when we need it, and make decisions that bring him honor. Thus, just as parents rejoice in seeing their children mature and wise, Jehovah rejoices when his servants grow spiritually and act wisely when receiving advice.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can make Jehovah happy when we continue to grow spiritually and demonstrate maturity in our decisions. Just as a father rejoices when his children act wisely, Jehovah is pleased when we seek counsel, meditate on his Word, and make decisions that honor him.
Every time we act responsibly and with faith, we reflect that we value what Jehovah has taught us. Thus, we not only make right decisions, but we also strengthen our relationship with Him.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why should we be humble and modest?
We must be humble and modest because recognizing our limitations allows us to learn from Jehovah's Word and from mature brothers and sisters. Humility helps us mature spiritually and make wise decisions that honor God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because without humility and modesty we will not accept good advice nor see the need to apply it.
Why should we have an open mind?
We must have an open mind so we can consider biblical counsel and principles without immediately rejecting them, even if they don't match what we want to hear. This helps us better understand Jehovah's expectations of us and strengthens our conscience.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because only in this way can we benefit from advice, even if it's not what we want to hear, and thus strengthen our conscience.
Why shouldn't we ask others to decide for us?
We shouldn't ask others to decide for us, because Jehovah expects each Christian to think and decide for himself, using the Bible and mature counsel as a guide. Making our own decisions using Jehovah's guidance allows us to train and strengthen our consciences and act responsibly before God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah wants each person to take responsibility for making his or her own decisions, based on the Bible and the guidance of mature brothers and sisters, and to be accountable for them.
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