Who should we listen to? This is important because we can only respond to our future and to our challenges with the knowledge that we currently possess. If we don’t have the right information, it can be disastrous to us. The other day the network news reported that a police officer entered her home and found someone in her apartment. She shot and killed the alleged “intruder”. However, it turned out that she had entered her neighbor’s apartment and killed an innocent man! Wrong information and understanding can and will hurt you and others. Therefore, we absolutely need to make sure: (1)to read the Word and seek God’s wisdom, (2) our information is correct, and (3)surround ourselves with the right people in order to get sound advice, wisdom and information. Ecclesiastes 7:5 (GW) says: “It is better to listen to wise people who reprimand you than to fools who sing your praises”. The Amplified version of Ecclesiastes 7:5 says it this way: “It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom Than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity”. We are all connected to many people, whether at work, in our community, family and even church. This means that we are always hearing many pieces of advice or information. The challenge is to filter out any and all foolish and wrong information, and accept only the wisdom and understanding that will help us to make the right decisions and live a righteous life. Don’t follow the crowds. Seek wise people and receive their advice and corrections. It will be life and health to you, and you will be able to pursue the paths that will be pleasing to God and benefit your family!
Psalm 119:60 says: “I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments”. The ERV translation says it this way: “Without wasting any time, I hurried back to obey your commands”. David never delayed to keep God’s commandments. He was quick to listen and obey. And when he would sin and miss the mark, he was quick to repent. He made “haste” to obey. The word Haste means: “rapidity of motion, to urge on, to move or act swiftly”. In a negative way, being hasty without first doing the needed research can be destructive. However, what David was saying was that he didn’t hesitate to do God’s will and obey His commandments. He wouldn’t allow anything to cause him to delay in obeying his commandments. Delay is good when one is considering investing in something important, when one is considering getting married, when one is considering what job or business they are going to dedicate their lives to. Things like that go better when we take our time and dedicate the necessary research or training. However, when you read and obey His word, you are on sure footing! David knew that obeying God’s wisdom and commandments kept him in the righteous environment that provided life, health, provision, protection, wisdom, grace and favor. In most things, think and get research before you act. However, never delay in obeying God’s commands. This is life and health to you!
