• Who do you listen to for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding?

When I was younger, I remember my parents talking to me about who I chose as friends. I’ve had the same conversation with my daughter. Who we listen to makes a difference in our lives.

Are we spending time with people who make questionable choices? Are we listening to people who believe in Jesus?

This is Big
Who we listen to can affect nearly every aspect of our lives. It affects our work decisions, how we raise our kids, what we do for fun, our politics, our theology, our relationships, and indeed, our entire view of the world.

Our passage today warns us about who we listen to. Do we listen to wicked people, sinners, and mockers or do we listen to the Word of God and those who teach it? Blessed are you if you do not listen to the wicked, sinner, mocker people, but instead listen to God’s Word and those who advocate for us.

Take a few minutes to really think about who you listen to. These may be friends, family members, media sources, social media influencers, coworkers, church members, etc. Answer these questions as you consider them.

• Is this person someone who demonstrates wisdom in their life?
• Is this person someone who believes in Jesus and lives out their faith?
• Does this person appeal to Scripture in their advice?
• What kind of influence do they have over me?
• Is this the kind of person I should be listening to?

Now that you’ve taken some time to think about those who you DO listen to, consider whether there are some other people who you think you SHOULD listen to. Someone may come to mind who you know to be wise and with whom you should seek a better relationship or you may realize you don’t have anyone to look to in certain areas of your life and it would be good to find someone.

Some Warnings:

• This requires some courage. If you have been listening to people who you now realize aren’t the people you should be listening to, you may find that you will have to be open to changing your perspective on things. That can be scary but is good.
• Not all Christians are good sources. Let’s face it, some Christians just make bad choices and give bad advice. Also, in our society, today, some people claim the mantle of Christian but do not accept much of what the Bible teaches. Consider their theology.

How did it go?

I encourage you to continue to think and pray about this. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment as well as the courage to take the steps to find good people to listen to.

Heavenly Father,

You are the source of all wisdom. Give me wisdom in the choice of who I spend time with and who I listen to. Protect me from being misled. Provide for me wise friends and mentors to guide me in life and faith.

Amen.