“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” -Proverbs 15:22
The most successful people in the world are the ones who seek counsel and know that they can’t do it all on their own.
We have to have trusted people in our life that will be transparently honest, correct us when we need it, and help steer us in the right direction. The longer we take to learn this lesson, the more pain we’ll have to go through to get where we want to go.
Verse 32 says, “Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.”
Naturally we think we know best, assuming our opinion is the right one and that our path is without error. Walking with this train of thought is like walking with blinders on; we can’t see the whole picture. Trying to accomplish everything on our own WE WILL FAIL. We need a broader perspective to to keep ourselves in check.
The key to gaining perspective is humility. Proverbs 15:33 says “humility comes before honor.” Those who humble themselves and ask for council will be rewarded. Their plans will come to pass. God will honor them. If we want to grow, we have to be willing to seek help and accept criticism.
Finally, proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Following our pride, listening only to ourselves, will lead us down the wrong path. Ask God for instruction. Invite wise counsel to weigh in and you will find an abundant life.
As you consider inviting counsel in, ask yourself:
1. Do you need to take the blinders off of anything in your life right now?
2. Have you been unwilling to seek counsel for something in your life and you know you need it?
3. Maybe you’re willing to ask for help, but are you willing to accept criticism?
4. Do you have someone in your life you can trust to help you?
Don’t let pride be the reason you fall; stop trying to figure it all out by yourself. Invite someone in and make a step in the right direction. May we walk in humility with every decision, every word and every action.
