Dear Abby passed away this past week. I have no idea why but I remember reading her column in the paper as a kid. I remember wondering why folks would ask a stranger such personal questions.
Who do you ask for advice? Maybe someone qualified in the subject of your concern, Maybe someone you trust, maybe someone who will take the time to listen.
Does anyone ever ask you for advice? That's good. That means they trust you, feel you have something to offer, and know you care enough to take the time for them. However as with Abby and her twin sister, Ann Landers, what makes folks comfortable sharing with you? Is it your knowledge and experience or is it your ability to apply that knowledge and experience?
Applying knowledge and experience to a situation in a constructive way takes wisdom. So what is wisdom? "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17
James implies wisdom comes from heaven so can you learn to be wise on your own? "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33
You can get knowledge from schooling and experience from working but I'm convinced wisdom is God-given. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
Another qualification for giving advice is a pleasant personality. People don't enjoy hanging around someone that is constantly negative or always a grouch. "Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes it's hard appearance." Ecclesiastes 8:1
Unless you live under a rock somewhere you deal with people every day. If people are the vehicle for making a life then having good relationships is what fuels that vehicle and makes things happen. "He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; so that he made him ruler over all of Egypt and all his palace." Acts 7:10
Another qualification people expect from folks giving advice is reputation and character. "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:15
People will remember your advice, words of wisdom, and disposition after you're gone way longer than they will remember your stuff. "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness; but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth only to hand it over." Ecclesiastes 2:26
Remembering where your talents and abilities come from when giving advice and not tooting your own horn keeps a person effective. "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
Even though our secular culture despises anything to do with Christianity, they acknowledge and recognize God-given wisdom. "The whole world sought audience with Solomon, to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart." 1 Kings 10:24
So as our lifestyles continue to get busier, our decisions become more complicated, and our country seems to be losing it's moral compass, remember where to focus when giving advice to yourself and others. "A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fools eyes wander to the ends of the earth." Proverbs 17:24
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