Review of the Book of Proverbs Wisdom literature, part of Hebrew culture Proverbs are analogies Proverbs are observations (paint pictures) Proverbs are not hard-fast rules or promises, not explanations for all instances/situations Proverbs are best studied by theme/topic

Proverbs on Advice CALL OF THE WISE Devotional Series on the Book of Proverbs

Advice-giving and advice-taking are blessings! But these come not without difficulties. Let’s take a peek at some conversations between disciples…

Si Alma at si Bianca Alma: O sis, kumusta ka? Bakit ka nakasimangot? Bianca: Eh, kasi struggle ako kay Ambrosia…dahil sa advice niya [starts crying] Alma: Advice nya? Ano ba yun? Bianca: Eh kasi tinanong ko sya tungkol sa kung saang school ko pwede ipasok si Junior. Sabi nya dun daw sa may Buting. Sinunod ko, kahit mas mahal. Pero ngayon nagcocomplain si Junior; boring daw yung teachers. Dapat sa iba nalang ako nagtanong… Huwaaa!

Si Jane at si Jack Jane: Bro, excited ako sa bago kong investment. Grabe, talagang do-doble pera mo kaagad. Jack: Saan mo narinig yan? Baka scam yan. Jane: Sa kapitbahay namin; siya nga 1year lang may bago nang kotse! Ten thousand lang para sumali. Jack: Nakapag ask-advice ka na ba tungkol jan? Jane: Advice? Bakit kailangan pa? Jack: Siyempre malaking pera yan. Tsaka hindi mo naman strength ang finance and business. Jane: Bakit, pero ko naman ito ah. Wala makaka- dikta sa akin! Ako lang dapat bahala sa pera ko.

Si Pedro at si Procopio Pedro: Bro, ano kayang bibigay ko kay Sylvia sa date namin? Flowers, chocolates, stuffed toy? Procopio: How about flowers! Pedro: Roses! Pero ilang roses? Kasi dati yung inadvice kay Kobe, 1 lang bago magsteady dating. Pero meron din sabi, advisable naman kahit ilan. Procopio: Pwede ring three roses.. Pedro: Dati bro, sabi nung Bible Talk leader ko ok lang three roses, pero yung ibang leader sabi ok lang twelve. Ano ba talaga? Procopio: Hmmm, may Bible verse ba tungkol jan?

Observations with MMCC Many disciples seek advice, but we can all do it more Advice-seeking can be a source of struggle or disappointment Some take advice on the same level as Biblical commands Overall, we need to be more careful about giving and receiving advice, especially in the area of opinion matters

Biblical Principle #1 MAKE IT A HABIT TO GET ADVICE Pr 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Pr 20:18 Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance. Pr 24:6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors. (NLT)

Biblical Principle #2 FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE WISE Pr 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Pr 12:15 Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others (NLT) Pr 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Biblical Principle #3 IMITATE THE WAYS OF THE WISE Pr 15:12 Mockers don’t love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise. (NLT) Pr 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! Pr 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

When asking advice from people Pray and consult your Bible beforehand Ask advice from different people Approach people with a particular strength, experience or expertise Approach even those who think differently than yourself Ask input before making final judgments (be open and flexible with your plans)

When asking advice from someone Be grateful to those you ask advice from When you take advice, it is your decision and not anybody else’s Wag magtampo kung hindi mag-work

When asked to give your advice It is best to give advice – When you know about the subject – If you know the person asking advice – If you are able to explain your advice Don’t pretend to be an expert if you aren’t Don’t feel bad if your advice is not taken Remember that what worked for you may not exactly work the same on others

Biblical Principles 1. MAKE IT A HABIT TO GET ADVICE 2. FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE WISE 3. IMITATE THE WAYS OF THE WISE

Let us grow stronger and wiser as God’s family!