We’ve all been there—the moment when someone gives us advice, and we’re not sure if we should take it. Maybe it’s a friend, a work colleague, or even a family member, and of course they’re all well-meaning, telling us what we should do, but their advice just doesn’t feel right for us. Still, when we’re in a tough spot, and we’re not sure what to do, desperation can sometimes skew our judgment. We often learn the hard way that listening to the wrong advice can land us tangled in the mess of regret. The truth is, not all advice is good advice, and some advice can steer us far off track. Psalm 32:8 (NLT) tells us: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Anytime we’re in need of advice, we should lean on our Heavenly Father. He always offers the very best advice for our lives.
Life requires strategies, and there are many people who claim to be experts at these, but none of them can prepare us to navigate some of the tricks and plots of the evil one. Ephesians 6:11-12 (NLT) instructs, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” This passage speaks to some of the spiritual battles we face and encourages us to rely on God’s strength, protection, and wisdom. We need to be prepared spiritually, especially when we’re hit with an issue unlike any others we’ve faced.
It’s easy to think we know what’s best for ourselves, but the very best move is to seek God’s Word and lean on its wisdom for the right counsel. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) tells us, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” This is a powerful reminder that when we choose to follow God, we’re not left to figure things out on our own. Through His Word, His Spirit, and His guidance, He has already provided everything we need to live a life that honors Him and is fulfilling and meaningful to us as well. No matter the challenges we face or decisions we need to make, God’s wisdom is available to us, and the very best thing we can do is to run with it in every situation.
In today’s world, we’re bombarded with advice from all sides—social media, friends, experts, even strangers. We don’t have to search for answers in the world’s barrage of fleeting advice or get lost in uncertainty. When we seek God and draw near to Him, He equips us with all we need to walk faithfully in His ways and live a life that reflects His glory.
Many of us find ourselves at the cusp of life-altering decisions. Maybe a promotion at work requires you to relocate, and you’re unsure it’s the right move for your family. Health-wise, you might be conflicted about the right medication or whether a medical procedure is the best way forward. Perhaps you have a sinking feeling that the person you’re in a relationship with isn’t the one God has for you, and you’re wondering if you should end things before they get serious. In all situations like these, we need to be confident that God will guide us to the best solution, because His Will is that we have the optimal outcome.
Psalm 32:8 (NLT) tells us: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'” Even small choices can change the course of our lives. We need more than just advice from a well-meaning friend. We need God’s guidance in all areas of our lives. When we take a step back, pray, and seek His wisdom through quiet reflection and seeking His Word, He’ll give us a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. With His guidance, we can trust that we’re on the right path, knowing that He is watching over us every step of the way.
Not every voice is worth listening to, and not every piece of advice is worth taking. At the end of the day, we need to guard our hearts and be careful about who and what we listen to. Let the wisdom of God’s Word be your guide. Be discerning about the voices you allow to shape your decisions. True wisdom comes from seeking God’s heart and listening to those who are wise in Him. When we do, we’ll walk the path of righteousness, avoid the pitfalls of bad advice, and find the joy and peace that come from following God’s plan for our lives.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Listening to the Wrong Advice”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.