Solomon said that a wise man knows he doesn’t have all the answers. He is humble enough to look for sound advice from good men:
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Prov. 11:14)
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
(Prov. 15:22)
Other people see things you don’t. No matter how smart or experienced you are, you can’t see every angle of a situation. Different people have different insights and unique perspectives, and it is wise to consider them. You need others to help if you want to see the whole picture.
People outside the situation see things in the people you are dealing with that you don’t see. Sometimes they see a bad trait you haven’t noticed. At other times they see a good side you have overlooked. They may also know the background of the people in question better than you do.
Have you thought about the fact that other people see things about you that you don’t? They see weaknesses you don’t like to admit. They see strengths you may not realize you have. Your life is an open book, and others are quite aware of your temperament. They know how others respond to your personality and how you respond to theirs.
Experiences in life vary. It makes sense to get advice from people who have more experience than you have. Young people need to seek counsel from older people. Young parents who are struggling to raise their children need to listen to older parents who have already raised their children. Your own experiences have taught you a great deal. Think about how much wiser you can be if you tap into the lessons others have learned from life!
Solomon said, “Two are better than one” (Ecc. 4:9). We say that two heads are better than one, but do we put this wisdom into practice? Sometimes we are too independent for our own good. Don’t be prideful. You will handle situations better and make wiser decisions if you seek the counsel of godly Christian people who know the Bible. This is a simple truth, but it is easy to forget. Be careful not to get so busy that you fail to seek good advice. Don’t make rash judgments. Beware of living in your own little world. We need each other.
-Kerry Duke, Vice President of Academics and Academic Affairs
