"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:7
Want to be wise? Ask for advice, accountability, instruction! Then, when advice, accountability and instruction are given, in accordance with God's Word, don't be a fool and argue or ignore it! ACCEPT IT! WITH SINCERE THANKS! Save yourself some folly and heartache! Show your advisor, accountability partner, instructor, that you appreciate them and encourage them to continue to encourage you!
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6
Got a friend that loves the Lord and loves you but keeps ticking you off, telling you things you don't want to hear? Think about it! Got a friend that usually only looks out for themselves but is suddenly interested in encouraging and counselling you to do the very thing you want to do (that seems to upset the other friend)? Think about it.
There is wisdom in a multitude of godly counsellors! Prov. 11:14, 15:22, 24:6
Think your friend is picking on you? Don't ask your self-seeking friend about it! Ask another friend that loves the Lord and loves you!
This isn't rocket science, but it can be harder to grasp when you're struggling with your flesh. I know, from experience...and I'm a good enough friend to tell you the truth about that when you need to hear it too!
Here's the link to Mark's sermon series, if you'd like to listen to it:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs-2009
