The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15, NIV)
Some stories just stick with us. About 25 years ago, I was playing a casual round with my dad and Rik Massengale, who won three times on the PGA Tour but who had retired due to a back injury and was now stuck playing with average knocks like me. I didn’t have my best game that day and even allowed myself to grow frustrated in my head that Rik offered no help.
When the round ended, I said something. “Why didn’t you give me any advice?” I wanted to know.
“You never asked,” he said.
Ha! Not only was I moping, but I was a moping dummy. I had every opportunity to ask a truly great player for help with my game, and instead I was putting the onus on him. For me the question was, Why didn’t he speak up? For him it was, Why didn’t you ask?
Not all advice is the same, and you’ll need to learn to reject some of what you hear, but you’ll learn a lot along the way.There are, of course, several answers to Rik’s question, but probably all of them are rooted in pride. When we ask for help, we reveal our ignorance, our ineptitude, our inadequacy. We signal to the other person that they are smarter than we are, at least in a certain context. But here’s the problem with the don’t-ask-for-advice approach, according to the proverb of Solomon we’re highlighting today: When you think you know all you need to know, you’re a fool.
I’ve been that kind of fool. You probably have, too. I haven’t pulled out the map when I’ve been lost. I’ve started building the furniture without reading the instructions. I’ve tried on my own to work out my wipey little fade instead of asking the nearby pro if maybe she could take a look for a minute.
Wise people don’t behave like this. Even when they are nearly certain of the answer, they ask for help. They check with a colleague, ask their spouse, sit down with their pastor, even Google it. Not all advice is the same, and you’ll need to learn to reject some of what you hear, but you’ll learn a lot along the way. Above all, though, consult the Lord. Read his word. Ask his Spirit for guidance. Knowing what God says about a matter turns you into a wise, discerning person yourself, one who can be consulted and trusted, one whose advice is good.
—
Jeff Hopper
June 4, 2021
Copyright 2021 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THIS SERIES
Oh, To Be Wise 1: Finding Wisdom
Oh, To Be Wise 3: A Tested Heart
Oh, To Be Wise 4: A Guarded Heart
Oh, To Be Wise 5: A Winning Way
Oh, To Be Wise 6: The Right Word
Oh, To Be Wise 7: Loving Discipline
Oh, To Be Wise 8: Equal Before God
Oh, To Be Wise 9: Growing Stronger