God created people to need other people. No one person knows everything. No one is always right about everything. We are all uniquely created with gifts and abilities, but no one has every gift or every ability. We were created to need other people’s help, wisdom, and advice.

It’s humbling to realize we can’t live life well if we only live it with our own abilities. On the other hand, it’s comforting to realize we were created that way for a reason. The fact you don’t know everything isn’t your fault; it’s your blessing.

Proverbs 15:22 says that “without counsel plans fail.” If we only have our own thoughts and opinions, we only have a percentage of the wisdom we need. Our plans could fail if we don’t gain the counsel of a different perspective. 

The proverb also teaches us that with many advisers our plans can succeed. Sometimes too many advisers can muddy the waters, but even bad advice can be good. It is just as important to understand what we don’t want to do than coming to our decision about what we will choose to do.

How do we discern our good advice from the bad? Ask:

—Which advice glorifies God?

—Which choice has a kingdom purpose too?

—Which choice is accompanied by the peace of God and seems to be opening doors only God could open?

—Which advisers prayed before they spoke?

—Which advisers walk with God and understand that his counsel is the only perfect answer?

Some advice provides earthly gain while other advice provides treasure in heaven as well. 

Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. Do your best to discern God’s biblical advice and seek counsel from people who understand their need to receive God’s counsel before they have counsel to give. God made us to need the counsel of others and gave us discernment to understand whose counsel we need.