We like being right and generally our way of doing things is infinitely better than alternatives. We rile up when some one dare criticize our idea or pretend to be “listening” when someone is giving us alternative ideas or counsel then go about our business. When it comes to being right, we often like to dig out heels in someone points out that we have in fact erred in our judgment or that there is simply a better way than our approach.
This attitude can be found within all of us and can rear it’s stubborn head about the silliest of earthly things like should one use cream in coffee or to the most serious of things – our actions in relationship to God. And, often when we deep down know our way is probably not right – instead of seeking counsel from those that would give us honest but hard advice we often seek the others of likeminded or nonconfrontational friends who are just going to agree with us to which then we feel infinitely better about whatever choices we are or are about to make.
Solomon teaches us that this approach to life is the way of a fool. Only a fool thinks his way is right and avoids or doesn’t listen to those who would provide him sounder or even different advice. On the flip side, Solomon reminds us that there is wisdom in listening to advice.
Believe it or not we are not always right and to think so is foolhearty.
This couldn’t be more true than listening to God’s counsel. God has given us all the advice we need to lead a happy healthy and righteous life yet time after time we ignore it for our own approach. We justify our actions to ourselves and do not listen to God. We live our lives like the Scriptures are a dusty old book with some helpful principles instead of the living breathing Word of God.
There is none wiser than God so why do we repeatedly go to ourselves or our “yes” men or women for advice? Because we want to do what we want and often think our way is just fine as it is. We ignore the counsel of God which makes us a fool.
So, we should close our eyes and become blind to our own ways and open our ears and listen to God’s counsel. We don’t need to see the path – God will guide us one step at a time. He will not lead us astray.
Adonai's Appeal 