“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” — Proverbs 1:5
Who do you tend to hang with? It’s an important question to reflect upon. Those we spend the most time with have influence over our lives. First Corinthians 15:33 states, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
In 1 Kings 12, King Rehoboam sought the counsel of the elders who had served his father, the wisest king of all time: Solomon. The elders gave wise instruction to the king, but he didn’t listen to them. King Rehoboam instead listened to the counsel of the young men he had grown up with. King Rehoboam followed their advice, and the kingdom of Israel was split in two.
Discernment requires that we seek wisdom from others who are further along in their journeys with Jesus. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
When I was coming to the end of my playing career as a pitcher, I sought the advice of several former pitching coaches who knew me well. Each one said they felt I could keep playing if I desired, but they did not believe I would get another opportunity to pitch in the major leagues. I appreciated their expertise and honesty. With their help, I was able to make the wise decision to hang up my cleats.
When we surround ourselves with wise men and women who speak the truth in love into our lives, we will honor the Lord with a discerning heart.
— Mickey Weston, Chicago White Sox chaplain
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