March 10
The Wisdom
of Listening
"Plans fail when there is no advice. But with many advisers they succeed."
Proverbs 15:22 (NIrV)
Ryan was a man who thrived on independence. Ever since he started his small graphic design business, he prided himself on doing things his way. Advice, in his mind, was a sign of weakness. "I’ve got this," he often told himself, brushing off suggestions from family, friends, or colleagues.
At first, Ryan’s business seemed to do well. He landed a few clients, built an impressive website, and managed to make ends meet. But soon, cracks began to show. Deadlines became overwhelming, his marketing strategies weren’t reaching new clients, and his finances started to spiral out of control. He avoided his accountant’s calls, disregarded his brother’s suggestion to hire an assistant, and shrugged off his mentor’s advice to take a business course.
One night, sitting alone in his cramped office, Ryan stared at the mounting bills on his desk. The stress was palpable, a heavy weight on his chest. He thought back to a conversation with a friend who had said, "Ryan, no one succeeds alone. Even the most successful people have a team of advisers." He dismissed it at the time, but now the words echoed in his mind.
Desperation drove him to action. He reached out to his brother, his accountant, and a trusted mentor. For the first time, he admitted he needed help. Together, they devised a plan: restructuring his workload, creating a realistic budget, and enrolling in a business workshop. Though it was humbling, Ryan found relief in their collective wisdom.
As the weeks passed, Ryan saw the fruit of his decision. His business began to stabilize, and his workload felt manageable. One evening, he paused to thank God, realizing how much pride had blinded him. The verse from Proverbs 15:22 resonated deeply. Ryan understood that seeking advice wasn’t a sign of failure but a step toward wisdom and growth.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word.
Help me to recognize the value of seeking advice from others and to let go of pride that keeps me from receiving help.
Teach me humility and guide me to wise counselors who reflect Your truth and love.
May I always rely on You for strength and direction in all my plans.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
