Wise Counsel

     In the conclusion of the book of Job, God speaks to Job and challenges him on the counsel that he listened to.  You see Job had three friends that gave him some very poor counsel regarding the understanding of God and how He works.  Sadly, Job had paid attention to the counsel and misunderstood some of the ways of God.  In the book of Proverbs we are encouraged to listen to counsel.  In Proverbs 12:15 Solomon says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkenth unto counsel is wise."  True wisdom is going to come by listening to the counsel of God's Word.  In Job 42:3 Job says, "Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not."   Job said I realized that I listened to counsel without applying wisdom.  Young people, you are going to be given much advice and many ideas in your life from a great source of people.  The question really is, what are you filtering the counsel through.  A filter is used to remove impurities in order to protect the receiver of the substance coming through the filter.  The ear gate is one of the biggest entry points in our life right to our hearts.  What are you listening to today?  Is it being filtered through God's Word?  If you have to shut off the T.V.  If necessary, get away from the internet.  Satan is using the EAR of many teenagers today to insert poor counsel.  Be careful what you listen to today.  Be sure to apply God's Wisdom in everything you hear today!