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August 25, 2026

Wise or Foolish Advice

August 25, 2026 by HEIDI J. SMITH GOD'S GUIDANCE/DIRECTION Hearing God & Understanding His Will Being a woman in ministry
Wise or Foolish Advice
“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22

Before my family and I moved to Africa, we prayed and sought counsel. Everyone was quick to share their advice, which ranged from one side of the spectrum to the other.


Some discouraged it. We won’t see the grandkids very often. What if you get bitten by a poison snake or get malaria? Won’t you be poor?


Others encouraged us. People need to know about Jesus. Think of all the amazing people and things you will see. We will pray for you and stay in touch.


When have you made a big decision?


In the Bible in 1 Kings 12, King Solomon died and his son Rehoboam became king. The people asked him to lighten their taxes and labor, so the new king asked for three days to seek counsel.


First, King Rehoboam consulted his father’s elders who encouraged him to be kind and listen to the people. Next, the king consulted with his same-age friends who encouraged him to be harsh and place more burdens on the people.


King Rehoboam unwisely accepted his friends’ advice and the kingdom revolted splitting into Judah and Israel.


The decisions we make probably won’t split a kingdom in two, but we do desire wise decisions. How can we discern wise versus foolish advice?


“Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22


We need to consider the source of our advisors. Do they have experience? Are they qualified to give sound advice? Are they emotionally attached or an outside neutral party? What is our relationship with them?


King Rehoboam’s friends had no experience running a kingdom, while the elders had worked with Rehoboam’s father and spoke from experience.


We need to take time to think. We can assess the situation, weigh the different options, and pray. King Rehoboam took three days.


Finally, we need to search the Scriptures and listen to the Holy Spirit. Wise advice should align with God’s Word and not disobey Him. God wants us to know His will.


As we make big decisions and seek counsel from others, may we consider the source of our counselors, take time to think and pray, and search the Scriptures.

Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for who you are. Thank you that you are holy, omniscient, and kind. Thank you that you want us to know your will. Please help us as we seek to do your will. Please give us guidance from your Word and your Holy Spirit. Please help us to discern wise counsel and direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resources
Song: Thy Word by Amy Grant This song reminds me that God’s Word will always guide us.
Song: Lead the Way by Leeland This song reminds me that God will lead us.
Song: Thy Will by Hilary Scott This song reminds me that sometimes I have to walk through pain as I follow the Lord. He sees the big picture and I only see right in front of me. I can trust Him. (Hilary Scott wrote this song after experiencing a miscarriage).
Song: Trust and Obey sung by Rosemary Siemens This song reminds me that as we I follow the Lord I have to trust and obey.
Question for Reflection

What verses encourage you as you make major decisions?

Comments
Heidi J. Smith
August 25, 2026

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
James 1:5-6, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”