It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person
Ecclesiastes 7:5 NIV
than to listen to the song of fools.
When traveling to an unfamiliar location, I will generally punch in the address on my phone and let its mapping app guide me to the desired destination. I trust that it knows the best way to get to where I am going, and will correct me if I make a wrong turn. And it is usually successful.
But what about my life? The GPS on my phone is not very helpful in guiding me through life. But there are some resources that can be very useful.
The first is the Bible. It is not always able to give specific directions. But it can provide a broad outline of how to live life in a way that is pleasing to God. It is an essential tool for living as a believer.
A second helpful resource is to have one or more wise people in your life. People you can turn to for sound advice on the direction you should travel–advice that may be contrary to what you want to hear. Having a wise person in your life who is willing to correct or rebuke you when you have made a wrong turn in your life’s journey is especially helpful.
A rebuke is not generally something that we want to hear. But it can be beneficial and keep you from danger. If you are fortunate enough to have that wise person in your life, listen to them. And make any appropriate changes to the direction you are traveling.
As the Preacher in Ecclesiastes says, heeding the rebuke of a wise person is much better than listening to the song or praise of fools. Fools who will just affirm you and the direction you are heading regardless of the danger that awaits.
If you don’t have a wise, godly person to help you in your life’s journey, I encourage you to seek one out. And then heed any advice or warning they give before you have traveled too far down a dead-end road.
