The Wise Will Listen to Advice

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who have been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching God’s Word,

In a world filled with many voices and teachings, the call to wisdom is more urgent than ever. The Bible reminds us repeatedly that the wise will listen to advice and grow in understanding, while the fool rejects correction and remains in error (Proverbs 17:10). As teachers of the Word, we must be especially careful to heed good counsel and guard against false doctrines that can lead others astray.

1. The Call to Listen and Apply Wisdom

The book of Proverbs exhorts us:

“Listen carefully to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20). Wisdom is not merely knowledge but practical understanding that shapes our lives and ministries. Solomon urges us to “apply your mind to my knowledge” (Proverbs 22:17), meaning we must focus our hearts and minds on God’s truth and obey it.

Jesus Himself warned His disciples:

“Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken away from them” (Luke 8:18). This teaches us that listening well to God’s Word leads to deeper understanding, but careless or false teaching results in loss.

2. The Danger of False Teaching

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, a young Bible teacher,

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Teaching false doctrines not only harms others but also endangers the teacher’s own soul.

Jeremiah exposed the sin of false teachers:

“The wise teachers will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:9). True wisdom comes from God alone, and it is our duty to teach His Word faithfully.

3. The Blessing of Heeding Good Counsel

Proverbs encourages us:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). No teacher is above receiving correction or advice. The wise seek counsel from others, especially from those grounded in Scripture and godly character.

Hosea calls us to discernment:

“Whoever is wise, let them understand these things; whoever is discerning, let them know them” (Hosea 14:9). Wisdom is shown by understanding and living according to God’s ways.

4. Practical Exhortation for Bible Teachers

Be humble and teachable. Wisdom begins with humility (Proverbs 15:33). Do not reject correction but welcome it as a means to grow.

Guard your doctrine carefully. Teach only what is consistent with Scripture and avoid adding human ideas that distort the gospel.

Seek counsel regularly. Surround yourself with wise, mature believers who can advise and encourage you.

Listen attentively to God’s Word. Meditate on Scripture daily and allow it to shape your teaching and life.

Remember your responsibility. Your teaching impacts the eternal destiny of those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16).

May the Lord grant us all the wisdom to listen well, teach faithfully, and walk in His truth. Let us be among those who hear good advice and act on it, for “the wise will listen to advice” and be blessed (Proverbs 12:15).