A Profitable Way to Live: Listen to Advice (Proverbs 19:20)

Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

An admonition to listen to advice is always profitable. The problem is it is easier said than done. Personal pride, too often, gets in the way and stops us from truly listening, especially when someone is trying to correct us. James once wrote, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Most people like to talk more than listen, but, talking does not help us learn anything. It is when we learn to be quick to hear that we can grow as individuals. But, again, pride gets in the way, convincing us that we do not need instruction because we already know everything. We think others need to learn from us, not the other way around. That is why most people are quick to speak. However, our words can get us into trouble. Solomon reminds us of this in Proverbs 10:19. He writes, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Learning to listen carefully has never gotten anyone in trouble. Instead, listening to advice helps us to avoid trouble.

Apollos was a powerful preacher, mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24), but he needed instruction. While he taught what he knew accurately, he was only familiar with the baptism of John (Acts 18:25). When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach, they at once knew he had a problem. So, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18:26). Many preachers, who are dynamic orators like Apollos, and have a strong knowledge of the word of God, refuse to listen to others. If Apollos was like that, he would have been branded a false teacher and could not have helped anyone. As it turns out, Apollos was humble enough to accept instruction and so, when he left Ephesus, he went to Achaia and helped the brethren (Acts 18:27). Even more importantly, he helped save souls, convincing the Jews that Jesus was Christ (Acts 18:28). Thank God Apollos was willing to listen to advice and accept instruction.

After Apollos left Ephesus, Paul came to town (Acts 19:1). Upon his arrival, he found some disciples who, like Apollos before them, only knew the baptism of John (Acts 19:2-3). So, Paul taught them about Jesus and baptized them in His name (Acts 19:5). Thankfully, these disciples were willing to listen to advice and accept instruction. Without the willingness to listen, they would have been lost. Without the willingness to accept instruction, they would not have even received the Holy Spirit (ver. 2). Many in their situation would have turned Paul away, thinking that they already knew enough. In fact, after this, Paul went into the synagogue and preached to the Jews for three months, but most of them believed not (Acts 19:8-9). Those Jews were lost because they were too prideful to accept instruction.

None of us know it all. And even some of the things we do know, we sometimes stop applying to our lives. We need instruction. We need someone to tell us to get back on track and start living right once again. Sometimes we need to be told to be better husbands or better wives. Sometimes we need to be told that we are not as faithful as we once were to Christ. Sometimes we need to be instructed in the scriptures more perfectly. Let us be humble enough to listen to the advice of others and accept instruction. It just might save our souls.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.