Who should I seek guidance – and even more specifically – spiritual guidance from? 

I find myself caring about what people think in many situations. Whether this be about my thoughts, actions, or emotions, I tend to soak in opinions from those around me. Is it wrong to seek advice or guidance? Absolutely not! But is there a balance that one must learn through trial and error? Yes. 

Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” A foolish person, as many of us are or have been, will always be able to justify or work around feeling shameful of our decisions. However, the Bible strictly reprimands this concept. Jeremiah 10:23 says that it is not in man to direct his own steps. We simply do not have the capacity to direct our own lives. We were created for a higher being and a higher walk. 

So, when it comes to guidance, where do we start? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” I believe this passage highlights the most important aspect of this concept. God is the giver of wisdom, and even more so when we ask Him for wisdom. To further this, the word “liberally” means generously – God is a generous giver of wisdom! 

Psalm 32:8-9 provides a direct statement from God that He will instruct and guide us. Verse 9 provides clarification on those whom He will guide & that is those who will be directed. Horses have to be halter broken in order to be handled, and that process is one that takes time and rough correction. Proverbs 14:6 gives us a specific comparison: the scoffer cannot find wisdom, but rather the one who understands. 

Now that we have established the One we must seek first, I believe there are other important examples in Scripture for us to follow. In Proverbs, we find a pattern. In Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22, we are comforted through the thought that our plans are established if they are rooted from counsel. Proverbs 13:20 says that he who walks with wise men will be wise, and I believe this concept is reiterated in 1 Corinthians 15:33. 

Sisters, find wise counsel. Be honest with yourself about the people whom you are seeking advice from. Are you asking for guidance from someone who will tell you want to hear or reaffirm your disobedience? Are you seeking wisdom from someone who has no wisdom themselves? I have best heard it said that we should never take advice from someone we do not want to become, and that changed my perspective. I have struggled all my life with trying to please others by my actions and thoughts, when in reality, I needed to become more godly. Romans 12:1-2 lays out a portrait of the only One worthy of striving to be acceptable to – God.