Wait...WHAT?

Isn't that what we should be saying?

Proverbs 19:20 says Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

Our snap decision usually doesn't better us.  Usually doesn't change us.  That's why it is quick.  It is usually what we already believe.  We already have a basic decision made before we ask the question. We work things out in our mind, and to us, we have examined it from every angle. 

But if it holds up to that  scrutiny, why don't we test it? Why don't we ask about it? Why don't we bring it to a respected friend, so that we can ensure we have it right? Especially when it says in Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

I don't want to be foolish. I want to be wise.  Wisdom, apparently, comes from listening to people. Here we have 2 (and those aren't the only ones) scriptures that say we should listen to people, and you will be wise. BUT...There are a LOT of voices out there.  I can find one to justify ANYTHING.  So how do we make sense of the scriptures that say listen to people?

In 1 John 4:1 we find Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

God will speak to us in a few ways:
1. He will Speak so clearly and loudly to us, that we have no question it is from Him. 

     Maybe at a conference/altar experience and it is so strong NOTHING can shake you from it...

2. Others will speak into your life
     God will impress a thing in others that you might not be listening for, and He will send them to you
3. God will impress in your heart, and someone/something will confirm it. 
     You kinda think maybe something, and a song/preacher/friend speaks and you KNOW it is God

In all of these, we are told to test them, and make sure they are from God. (yes, even the epiphany moment)  If so it will line up with His Word.  

So how does wisdom from listening fit here?  Nowhere does it say take every piece of advice you hear, and follow it, so you can prosper.  It does say listen to advice, and be wise. 

If we listen to people (prov 19:20) and the test it (1 john 4:1), we can act accordingly, and avoid being foolish (prov 12:15)

With everything we should be saying "Wait...WHAT?