Proverbs 19:20-21
Listen to advice and accept discipline, so that you will be wise in the future. There are many plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It’s amazing that you have to remind us to heed advice and embrace discipline. One would think it’s common sense to listen to godly counsel from another believer and to welcome well-meaning words from someone who also trusts in you and understands our situation.
However, we are sinful humans, and our pride loves to be offended by unsolicited advice. We perceive it as a personal attack, especially when their words contradict what we want to do. We may sit in front of that person, nodding in agreement, but the whole time, we think, “I’m going to show them; I’ll do it my way.” Lord, please forgive our stubbornness!
Lord, soften our hearts with your word. Through it, you have told us how Jesus did not come into this world to do things his way but to do everything united with your will and desire. Jesus acted according to your salvational plan, doing all that was necessary to save us, including going to the cross to suffer for our sins. To forgive us when our pride gets in the way.
Lord, you take great care of us throughout our lives, and how many times do you place others in front of us to give us sound advice or discipline so that we can do your will? You send those who minister to us regularly, correct us when we have sinned, and forgive us when we repent. Your work is accomplished through others who share the word and sacraments so that we will be wise in the future.
Heavenly Father, thank you for putting others in my life. Please have them give me godly advice and not be afraid to discipline me when I have erred. Let me also do your will by loving others and sharing the good news of my Savior with them so they, too, will be wise in the future. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Know you are not in this world alone or have to go alone, but God has given us others around you to help us in our wilderness journey. They might know where the watering holes are or where to find rest for your soul—no harm in listening to godly advice.