Proverbs 12:15. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Are you a know-it-all? Do you only give advice without taking it?
God (and Solomon) say that this is the way of the fool. The fool is right in his own eyes. That means the fool only listens to herself. The fool tries to follow his own heart without listening to anyone else.
We live in the age of what Catholic philosopher, Charles Taylor, called “Expressive Individualism.” Have you ever heard someone say, “Be true to yourself,” or “Follow your heart”? These are the “wisdom” of our age, but they are foolishness. Why? Because it fails to see our own self limitations, and the destructive nature of such self-advancement. It is also foolish because it fails to see that no one actually only listens to themselves. Even the commands to “be yourself” and “follow your heart” are advice aren’t they?
God wants us to listen to others, not just our own hearts. He wants us to seek good advice. From trusted friends, family, spiritual mentors, pastors and teachers. God wants us to know that often the last person we should listen to is ourselves. Often the world’s advice is to “Follow your gut.” But is this always the best way to make a choice? What about truth, and reason, and wisdom? Our gut may help us know what we WANT to do without being able to see what is BEST to do.
But others can sometimes see what we can’t see. This is why the New Testament gives us over fifty “one another” statements that give us permission within the body of Christ to advise each other. Encourage one another. Warn one another. Teach one another. Confess to one another. Admonish one another. Submit to one another. How do we avoid foolish decisions and become wise? Not by listening to ourselves, but by listening to other believers who often can see what we cannot.
Of course, in Christ, we are advised by the greatest of friends, the Holy Spirit. Our advocate. Our counselor. Our encourager. Our true friend. The Holy Spirit constantly speaks life and love into our minds and hearts. He is the Spirit of Wisdom given to us by our good Father.
How does the Spirit advise us? Yes, by the body of Christ, as we already mentioned. And yes, by the Word of God. The Word of Christ. The gospel. At the end of the day the gospel is far more than just advice, it is our very identity and essence. It is who we are, not just what we do. The gospel is constantly reminding us that we are never to be right in our own eyes, but rather, we are to be forever humble in the loving and merciful presence of God.
You: Are you a know-it-all? Right in your own eyes?
You in Christ: In Christ you are never without counsel and advice from God himself. In what ways do you seek the advice of the Counselor?
Christ in you: In what ways is the gospel not just an event, but also a way tolive? How can the gospel advise your life today?
Pray: Father, your gospel is my best advice and my true self. Help me to listen to your Spirit and to the spiritual that can help me to bear the burdens of this life. Amen.
To Live is Christ 