Advice

I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Take my advice; I’m not using it!” Do you tend to give advice a lot? Listen to your conversation and see how often you say “you should . .” to someone.

In novels and movies we often hear of characters who give too much advice too often. But there is a right time to give or get advice. Let’s talk about when those right times are.

In your native culture, is asking and giving advice considered a good thing or a bad thing? Is it encouraged or discouraged?

When have you asked for advice from someone in the past? Why did you choose the person you chose to ask? Was the advice helpful? Why or why not?

Times when you might ask for advice:

Choosing a college
Choosing a job
Choosing a spouse
Investing money
Moving to a new location
Traveling
In a foreign culture

When do you give advice to others? Do you wait to be asked or sometimes volunteer advice? Do people like the advice you give them or act on it? Give an example of someone who benefited from your advice.

Do you think it’s a good idea to warn someone if you think they are not doing the right thing? Under what circumstances would you do it?

The Bible talks about how to get wisdom in the Proverbs:

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life”, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

“Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored.”

“The lips of the wise spread knowledge”

“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”