Walking with the Wise #201: Listening to Learn

“A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.”—Proverbs 15:5

In the 1970’s and 1980’s there was a commercial for the financial brokerage firm E.F. Hutton that popularized the phrase, “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” The commercial had a room crowded with people all talking at the same time, but when E.F. Hutton would speak, the whole room would go silent and people would be leaning in, straining to hear his words. It was a memorable commercial and drew the viewer instantaneously to this financial figure who seemed to have the world at his doorstep.

There are certain figures God places in our life whom we should listen to—who have lived life and bear the scars of failure and success, the sting of defeat and resounding cry of victory. In today’s proverb, a fool is described as one who despises his father’s words of wisdom. But one who listens to advice, criticism, or even rebuke, is considered to be prudent.

Not that we listen to every person who is ready to give advice. We must be discerning in heeding the advice we’re given, making sure that it aligns with Scripture first of all. However, this proverb presupposes that the father is a God-fearing believer who wants the best for his son. If the son listens to his dad’s advice he is considered prudent, which is to say, he has given thought to his ways by considering how his present decisions will affect his future life. The fool gives no such thought, but is continually living in the here and now, not knowing that he will look foolish once the future comes.

I’ve seen this principle lived out first hand in my own life. When I was a teenager, I didn’t think about studying, college, having a job, getting married, or any of those things. I find myself playing catch up as the years go along. I figured it would all just work out. But my best friend, he was very prudent. He mapped out his life, as best he could, planning for college, making sure that he wouldn’t be financially constrained once school was over, taking the necessary steps to ensure scholarships. He also wanted to make sure that he was financially set once he got married and started having kids. I find myself wishing that I could go back, and do some of the things that would have better prepared me for today. Knowing that I can’t, I try and teach my children how to think ahead, in order that they will be better prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Are you prudent? Do you think about how your actions in the present may affect you in the future? Don’t presume upon God, beloved! Yes, we are to entrust our futures to God, looking for the Lord’s coming, but we are also to plan as if we are going to live for many years, diligently being good stewards of everything God has entrusted to our care.

May our lives be focused on You, O Lord! May we continually look to You, and may You guide our plans. Enable us to live prudently, giving forethought to our ways so that we may not be hindered in the future! Glorify Yourself through us and continually have mercy on us! Amen.