“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”-Proverbs 12:15
Here's a question for each of us to ponder — Have I yet realized that I don’t know everything? You might grin when thinking of this question because the answer is so obvious. Most of us would quickly answer that we definitely do not know all things! It’s easy to say this. But to internalize this truth, to humbly admit it, and therefore, live it out is an altogether different thing. So how can we know if we honestly believe this truth and have personally owned it? One way we know that we've truly acknowledged we aren't "know-it-all's” is that we now desire to hear others. We realize that we need to really listen to others. Let's take it even a step further — we now actually seek out the guidance of others for advice and wisdom. Truth be told, we all desperately need to hear others, to be open to what another thinks. Jon Bloom put it so well when he said, “The wise man listens to advice even (and especially) when he thinks he knows what's best.”
May none of us miss this critical wisdom from God in Proverbs 12:15, "Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” When we are unwilling to hear others’ opinions, we are off. In fact, we're being foolish! If we don’t want others’ advice, that's foolishness. To think our own way is always right - that’s tomfoolery! We all need others. Proverbs 15:22 puts it this way: "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." In other words, none of us alone understands all insight about all things. Each of us benefits from wise counsel! Every one of us needs to listen to others and especially to "rub shoulders" with godly brothers and sisters in Christ so we can hear from them and they can hear from us. The Only One who needs no advice from another is Amighty God.
So...let's stay humble, teachable, quick to listen to others, and actually pursuing wise, truthful, sound instruction. For we all need others. This is how God designed it, and He says it's wise.
Cheer Up, friends!
-Scott