Who you listen to is crucial in the decisions you make which leads to the outcomes you experience.  With that in mind, you better be careful where you get your advice.  The Bible is full of illustrations of this, for example: 2 Chronicles 18 tells the story of Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) aligning himself with Ahab (King of Israel) for battle.  Jehoshaphat wisely suggests that before they march into battle to “first seek the counsel of the Lord.”  However, Ahab invites 400 prophets to come who only tell the king what he wants to hear.  So, they all give the thumbs up!

Instead of being satisfied with this, Jehoshaphat suggests hearing from a “prophet of the LORD” for a second opinion.  Ahab reluctantly calls for a prophet that he despises because he never prophesies “anything good” about him.  Sure enough, this prophet tells that calamity awaits and sure defeat, and Ahab says “I told you he never prophesies good about me.” 

Rather than listen to this one godly prophet, they take their advice from the crowd and go into battle only to suffer great defeat.  The same thing will happen to us when we take our advice from a crowd.  I would rather listen to one wise person than a crowd of fools! 

Just because a number of people are saying the same thing doesn’t make it right.  We will only bring trouble into our lives if we surround ourselves with advisers whose only thought is to tell us what we want to hear.

It’s tough to listen to the truth at times, but when it comes from a trusted source, you better pay attention.  I’m probably like many of you and don’t care for criticism, but when someone I trust that loves me and has my best interest at heart, then it’s different. 

I’ve known people who had people who care deeply, and want nothing but the best for them, share some hard truths only to be ignored or rejected.  Unfortunatly, this means the person is only harming themselves according to Proverbs 15:32.  Wise people can tell the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. 

Over the years, I’ve learned to spit out the criticism from people motivated by jealousy, envy, or other negative emotions.  Sometimes hurting people just want to go out and hurt others to not feel so alone in their pain.  A wise person doesn’t pay any attention to these critics.  However, when someone you love and trust comes and shares a weakness or potential danger in your life, the wise take heed. 

Is there anyone in your life trying to get your attention about something they see?  Are they someone you know loves and cares for you?  If so, what might happen if you listened and acted on what they are saying?  What problems could evolve if you ignore them?