Proverbs

Those Who Are Wiser

Posted on Nov 3, 2014 by Amanda Stiver, Mario Seiglie Estimated reading time: 1 minute

confrontational gesture — Proverbs: Those Who Are Wiser

“Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser” (Proverbs 15:12, GNB).

It is a tragedy that those who need advice the most are the ones who, because of their arrogance, want it the least. Yet, even for those who are wiser, receiving correction and advice (sometimes unsolicited) can be challenging. Asking God for a receptive and discerning mind is important. Be receptive to good advice, and discerning of harmful advice or unmerited correction given in a hurtful way.

On the other side of the situation, it's important to speak up when your advice may help a friend, but it's also vital to be discerning and to give advice or corrective comments in a way that is positive and constructive. It's important to wait for the right moment, when an individual has realized the need for wise counsel.

When did you last receive "corrective" advice? Did you handle it well? If not, how could you improve?

Youth

Amanda Stiver
Amanda Stiver graduated from the Robert D. Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon.
Mario Seiglie
United Church of God Pastor
Mr. Seiglie was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States when he was a child. He found out about the Church when he was 17 from a Church member in high school. He went to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, and in Pasadena, California, graduating with degrees in theology and Spanish. He serves as the pastor of the Garden Grove, CA UCG congregation and serves in the Spanish speaking areas of South America. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren.