The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. – Proverbs 12:15

Today’s Scripture Reading (October 1, 2019): Proverbs 12

Abraham Lincoln remarked that “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Lincoln, who was a lawyer, didn’t invent the proverb. The saying has likely been around almost as long as the law profession. The problem seems to have multiple levels. Probably at the top of the list is that we are emotional people. Actually, in many circumstances, that is a good thing. Our emotions allow us to make strong connections with people and issues. But our emotions can also produce blind spots. And so we need others to look at issues where we are emotionally connected. And we should be emotionally connected with our own lives and the problems that are personal to us.

But, also, none of us are experts at everything. And matters involving the law are often complex and require the advice from those who do know more than we do about specific areas that under investigations. A lawyer might have expertise over one area, and there his voice should be heard, but in other areas he needs to hear different views.

And this is not just an issue with lawyers. It is a fundamental reality of life. We always need to hear the input of others. We are influencers, shaping the way that other people think. But we are also the influenced, formed by the voices and carefully considered opinions of those who we welcome into our presence. And that is the way that it is supposed to work. What we know is advanced by the knowledge and opinions of others.

Solomon gives this advice. Fools believe that the only voice they need to hear is their own. Fools believe that their ways are always right. Fools shun advisors and refuse to give them a voice in their presence. But the wise give honor to advisors and listen to their advice. Solomon is not saying that the wise always follow the advice of others. Sometimes fools are numbered among our advisors. But a wise person listens to the opinions of those who surround them. The wise will weigh carefully what it is that they hear, combining the advice with what it is that they already believe and know, and then the wise will move and make their decisions according to the conclusions that they arrived at through the process.

Be careful of anyone who seems to like to hear the sound of their own voice. Be wary of anyone who seems to refuse to listen to the opinions of others. Avoid anyone who considers themselves to be the experts at everything. Because there is no doubt; they are fools. And their way leads to destruction.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Proverbs 13