“Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, but [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.” (Proverbs 13:10 The Amplified Bible)
After having my left kidney removed, I had questions centered around the question, “How to live on one kidney.” Pride took over and I figured all I had to do was look it up on the internet. My presumption was that I could do my own research and answer any questions that I might have. I acted on some of what I found as it related to diet, hydration, moving heavy objects, and physical sporting activities. The latter was easy because I don’t see myself pursuing ice skating, playing contact sports, or participating in an playground, pickup basketball. I will restrict hooping to shooting discarded paper towels in the bathroom waste basket or even behind the back passes with trash from the sink, over the bathroom bench to the nearby waster basket by the tub. I did my research. Was I now filled with enough wisdom to manage my own medical condition? Did I no longer need the advice of specialized physicians? I found out that the answer was “No!”
I arrived at that conclusion after my four week check-up following my surgery, just a couple of days ago. That’s when went to my appointment with a series of questions for my physician written on a wide ruled composition notebook page. I had prepared for my visit just like an attorney going into a high profile case at the courthouse. Most of my questions had to do with what I found on the internet, looking at various articles. I was seeking validation or at least a little affirmation from the doctor. When the doctor entered my exam room, she asked me if I had any questions. I fired away…with questions. She patiently answered all of them and her wisdom cancelled my pride and presumptuous conclusion that I had correctly answered my questions. However, that was not the case. Most of my findings were incorrect. Hence, I decided that going forward I will not do self-diagnosis, but rather defer to doctors who were equipped with knowledge, wisdom, and experience. My mind was settled. Going forward, I would listen to good advice.
That ought to be the way we operate as Christians as it relates to everyday circumstances. We ought to resolve that we will seek good advice as we deal with out situations, dilemmas, circumstances, and predicaments. It goes without saying, so perhaps this is just a reminder, “Good advice, the most excellent advice, comes from God.” So push pride aside, as much as you want to be the one in charge of you. Defer to God! Depend on the advice found in His word. Don’t be presumptuous, thinking you got this. As the song suggest, put it all in His hands, all of the “this” and all of the “that” if you want good advice.
Human nature and our natural tendencies will try to convince us to say, “I got this,” but I suggest we let God’s counsel supersede our self, speculative solutions to sooth our problems. If you want good advice, go to the Lord, our all-wise God. Have a great Thursday! You are individually in my prayers! Be blessed!
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15 NKJV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King