In my Bible reading, I recently came across a story that I have read before but it gives me pause every time. In II Samuel 10, we read that the king of the Ammonites died and his son became king. David, in a gesture of kindness, sent some of his servants to the new king “to console him concerning his father” {v2}. However, the new king, Hanun, listened to bad counsel and humiliated the servants of David {vv3-5}. When King Hanun realized his mistake, he decided to strike before David could. He called up the Arameans to join him and marched against Israel. It didn’t go well and Israel defeated both kingdoms {vv8-15}.
All this from listening to bad advice. The thing is, we are all susceptible to this at different times. And because all people are sinful, we need to be discerning. This obviously includes who we choose for friends but also who we choose to listen to in the broader sense. Authors, experts, analysts, pastors, teachers. A lot of people can sound smart and convincing but charisma doesn’t equal biblical advice.
Proverbs has much to say about who we follow and who should have our attention.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” {12:15}
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” {13:20}
“Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.” {12:20}
Allowing good, godly advice to lead us is equated with righteousness and wisdom. The opposite is to listen to fools. I can’t think of anyone who would willingly listen to a fool but fools are often disguised. We need to be discerning with wisdom of our own.
And Proverbs has things to say about discernment also!
“My son, let them {knowledge/wisdom} not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion.” {3:21}
“The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” {18:15}
“For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding…Then you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” {3:3, 5-6}
Discernment comes from wisdom. When we hear anything — especially something labeled as biblical — we need to go back to the Bible and discern if it is truthful. Many things in today’s world have a grain of truth or sound really nice, but when we dig a little, we find inaccuracies.
I’m not saying to distrust everyone and only listen to yourself. But we should be knowledgeable enough in the Bible to hear when something sounds off and start asking questions. It doesn’t matter how popular the podcaster is, it doesn’t matter what letters are behind the pastor’s name, it doesn’t matter how many books the author has published. We need to consume any teaching with discernment and wisdom.
And James gives us a huge dose of encouragement here:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. {1:5}
We aren’t mustering and striving to have wisdom on our own. The God of the universe will give us the wisdom we need if we ask! If we want wisdom, may we humbly ask for it as Solomon did and God has promised to give it.
Maybe it’s not a question of who we listen to as much as who do we believe? Who do we follow and submit to? Who are we giving our time to? May it be the God of wisdom first and above all else.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash