Advising Advice

“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar.  And Sarai said to Abram, ‘Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.  So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife.  And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.  And Sarai said to Abram, ‘May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!’  But Abram said to Sarai, ‘Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.’ Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.” Genesis 16:1-6

“While [Pilate] was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, ‘Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.'” Matthew 17:19

The story is almost embarrassing, pulling the curtain back on marital tensions, appalling advice, and a husband not willing to say no. Emotions foment and relationships sour from hot words and cold shoulders. The Bible tells it like it is- then and now. Advice skewed or dispensed, taken or discounted, can brew many troubles.

Advice is not always sought, but often given. Opinions borne of worry, jealousy, conviction, or premonition are ours to sift through and consider. Taken in exasperation or desperation, dismissed in greater fear or pride, ours is the responsibility for decision and action. And it can be easier to analyze and criticize another’s behavior than it is to humbly review our own.

From whom do I seek advice? Do I pursue those who pray and have experienced much life with God, or am I inclined only toward popular group think and what I want to hear? How do I assure what I receive lines up with scripture and has the blessing of Holy Spirit confirmation before I act on it? (2 Kings 19:14-16; Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 15:22; 19:20; 2 Timothy 4:3)

What is our motive in giving advice? Whose good do we seek? Whose glory? How diligently do we pursue truth so we are prepared to give sound direction? How willingly do we speak it in love for Jesus’s sake, even if it hurts or requires a detour or delay? (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15)

We must remember that in every case we can trust the sovereign God who rules and overrules as He wills. We never know what would have happened if certain advice were implemented or not, but we can know that God reigns and His plans cannot be thwarted. No need to rue or regret, only to set ourselves aright going forward. (Job 42:2; Romans 8:28)

Lord, keep me faithful to seek You first when asking or giving advice, that Your will be done to Your honor and praise.