WHO CAN GIVE ME GOOD ADVICE?

8. Why was Jonathan qualified to give advice to David?

⁸ Consider one more lesson that we can learn from David’s example. He listened to the advice he got from people who had both a good relationship with Jehovah and a good understanding of the particular challenge he was facing. For instance, when wanting to know if he could restore his relationship with King Saul, David listened to the advice of Jonathan, Saul’s son. Why was Jonathan able to give him good advice? Because Jonathan not only had a good relationship with Jehovah but also had experience in dealing with Saul. (1 Sam. 20:9-13) How might we apply that lesson?

9. Who should be consulted when we need advice? Explain. (Proverbs 13:20)

⁹ When we need advice, we do well to consult someone who has a good relationship with Jehovah and experience in the matter we need help with.b (Read Proverbs 13:20.) For instance, suppose that a young brother is interested in finding a suitable marriage mate. Who could give him good advice? An unmarried friend might be helpful if he bases his advice on Bible principles. But the young brother is likely to receive advice that is more specific and practical if he consults a spiritually mature couple who know him well and who have been happily married for some time.

10. What will we now consider?

¹⁰ We have discussed two qualities that we must have as well as who can give us good advice. Now let us consider why we must keep an open mind and heart and whether we should ask others to make decisions for us.