PROVERBS 12
Proverbs 12:15
"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice"Over 30 years ago, when I was just starting out in ministry and stepping into my first full-time role at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene, my pastor took me to lunch in Grove City. As part of that visit, he wanted to stop by Grove City Church of the Nazarene and introduce me to their youth pastor—a man named Don Bowman.
The meeting was brief, but I still remember Don’s parting words: “If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call. We’d love to help.” At the time, I was young and full of confidence—probably too much of it. In my mind, I wondered what someone else could really teach me. What I didn’t realize was that Don wasn’t just any youth pastor—he was one of the most gifted and creative youth leaders in the country. And in my youthful pride, I essentially brushed off a golden opportunity to learn from someone with a wealth of experience.
If I could go back and talk to that 22-year-old version of myself, I’d say, “Slow down. Pay attention. You have so much to learn from people like Don. Humble yourself and listen.”
Thankfully, God in His grace later allowed me not only to serve at The Naz but also to work directly with Don—learning from him and witnessing firsthand the wisdom and creativity he brought to ministry.
Sometimes I wonder how different those early years might have been if I had simply taken Don up on his offer. How much stronger could I have been in my calling? What mistakes might I have avoided? All because I was too proud to seek advice.
Now, with a few more years and miles behind me, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who will speak truth into my life—people I trust, who know me and love me enough to tell me what I need to hear, even when it’s hard.
Maybe you can relate. If so, let me encourage you: none of us has all the answers. And God often speaks through wise counselors, mentors, and friends. Are you facing a decision or a challenge right now? Where are you looking for guidance? Are you relying only on yourself—or are you allowing others to speak into your life?
Remember: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Wisdom begins with humility.
PRAYERFather, today I ask You to help me become more attentive to the godly counsel You place around me. Teach me not to rely solely on my own understanding, but to seek Your wisdom—through Your Word, through prayer, and through the voices of trusted people who follow You. Thank You for loving me enough to surround me with truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Keep shaping me into someone who listens well.