How Well Do You Listen to Advice? (Proverbs 12)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

How well do you listen to advice?

Proverbs 12 serves as a continuation of the wisdom teachings found throughout the Book of Proverbs. It highlights the importance of integrity, righteousness, and the power of words in shaping one's life. This chapter contrasts the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that honesty, diligence, and wise counsel lead to blessings and favor from God, while deceit, laziness, and malicious speech lead to ruin.

The main message of Chapter 12, and all of Proverbs for that matter, is Proverbs 12:15, which says, “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.” Solomon “defines ‘wise’ and ‘fool’ in terms of acceptance or rejection of authoritative counsel.”^[1]

In verse 16, we see one of the primary attributes of foolish people is a lack of self-restraint. Solomon writes, “A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.” As Duane Garrett says, “Though the conceited fool thinks within himself that he is upright and without need of correction (v. 15), his lack of uprightness becomes obvious to others when he fails to exhibit self-control (v. 16). His false self-evaluation is corrected by public evaluation.”^[2] Garrett goes on to say, “Fools are so sure of themselves that they never seek advice, but the wise readily seek it out. Those who think they know it all are foolish, but those who look for guidance and knowledge are wise.”^[3]

Depending on our personality, it can be difficult to receive advice from others—especially if it’s unsolicited. But as Derek Kidner writes, “We show ourselves men of reason when we listen (RSV) to reason, and test ourselves for prejudice. The person who always knows best may be the only one unconscious of his real name.”^[4]

A good question to ask yourself is this: Who has permission to speak hard truths into my life, and when was the last time they did so? Those who are quick to offer advice often do not have as much to offer as those who wait to be asked. So, we need to seek advice by surrounding ourselves with people who challenge our thinking. Otherwise, we’re prone to become a fool in our own eyes.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Heavenly Father, I praise you for your wisdom that far exceeds my understanding. In a world where my own ways can seem right, I am reminded through your Word that true wisdom comes from listening and seeking counsel beyond myself. You are the source of all wisdom, guiding me through your teachings and the counsel of those who walk in your ways.

Release | Lord, I come before you to release my pride and the stubbornness of my heart that often thinks my way is the best. I lay down my foolishness at your feet, asking for a humble spirit that is open to correction and guidance. Help me to let go of my need to be right and embrace the wisdom that comes from you and those you have placed in my life.