Seeking advice leads to wisdom and successful plans, as emphasized in Proverbs 13:10 and 15:22, which highlight that wisdom belongs to those who seek advice and that plans succeed with many advisers. Jehovah, the ultimate source of counsel, not only provides guidance but takes a personal interest in helping us apply it, as stated in Psalm 32:8.

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WHY SEEK ADVICE?

• Seeking advice leads to wisdom: According to Proverbs 13:10, wisdom belongs to those who seek advice, while presumptuousness causes strife.
• Plans succeed with consultation: Proverbs 15:22 emphasizes that plans fail without consultation, but success comes through many advisers.
• Jehovah’s personal guidance: Psalm 32:8 shows that Jehovah not only gives advice but takes a personal interest in helping us apply it.

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WHAT QUALITIES MUST I HAVE?

• Humility and modesty are essential: To benefit from advice, we must be humble and modest, recognizing our limitations in knowledge or experience. (Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 5:5)
• King David’s example: Despite his achievements, David remained humble, accepting advice from others, such as Abigail, which prevented a grave mistake. (1 Samuel 25:32-34)
• Avoid pride: Even those with talent or authority should never assume they know it all, as pride can hinder receiving advice. (Ecclesiastes 4:13)

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WHO CAN GIVE ME GOOD ADVICE?

• Seek those with spiritual and practical experience: David sought advice from those like Jonathan, who had a strong relationship with Jehovah and relevant experience. (1 Samuel 20:9-13)
• Consult spiritually mature individuals: For specific issues, like marriage, seek advice from those with both spiritual maturity and practical experience. (Proverbs 13:20)
• Non-worshippers may offer expertise: Christians can consult non-worshippers for financial or medical advice, provided it aligns with Bible principles.

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HOW CAN I KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND HEART?

• Avoid seeking confirmation bias: Unlike King Rehoboam, who rejected wise counsel for advice that matched his desires, we must keep an open mind. (1 Kings 12:8-14)
• Beware of a treacherous heart: Jeremiah 17:9 warns that our heart can deceive us, so we must accept advice even if it’s not what we want to hear.
• Test for genuine openness: Ask yourself, “Do I reject advice because it doesn’t align with my preferences?” Genuine seeking requires humility.

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SHOULD I ASK OTHERS TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR ME?

• Personal responsibility: Galatians 6:4-5 teaches that each person must make their own decisions, using advice but not delegating choices.
• Example of Corinthian Christians: In 1 Corinthians 8:7 and 10:25-26, Paul emphasized that decisions about eating meat sacrificed to idols were personal, not to be dictated by others.
• Blood fractions as a modern example: Each Christian must decide on blood fractions themselves, as copying others could weaken their conscience. (Romans 14:4)

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KEEP ON SEEKING ADVICE 

• Jehovah’s trust in us: Jehovah provides His Word and wise friends, showing trust in our ability to make decisions. (Proverbs 3:21-23)
• Show gratitude through maturity: By continuing to seek advice and make wise decisions, we honor Jehovah and grow spiritually, bringing Him joy

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)