Readings for Ages 8–12

Choose Advice Carefully

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 15:22 KJV

Not every answer is good advice. Someone may tell you what you want to hear, speak without knowing the facts, or encourage something Scripture says is wrong. Proverbs praises counsel because wise help can prevent mistakes.

Ask a trustworthy adult when a decision is too large for your experience. Explain what actually happened instead of leaving out the part that makes you uncomfortable. Good advice depends on an honest account.

You do not need to ask everyone until somebody approves your preferred choice. Listen carefully, compare the advice with God's Word, and take time where time is available. Needing help is part of learning, not something you must hide.

Keep the passage in context

Proverbs commends counsel because isolated judgment can miss important facts. The value lies in wise counsel, not simply collecting many opinions. Advice must still be weighed against Scripture and truth.

Read further: Proverbs 15 in the King James Bible.