HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 29
page A27
How do I evaluate the advice of others?
• 2 C H R O NI C L E S 2 2 :4 | [Members of Ahab’s family] became [Ahaziah’s] advisers . . . and
they led him to ruin.
• MAT T H E W 7 :1 6 | “You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”
• 2 J O H N 1 :9 -1 0 | Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with
God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the
Father and the Son.
It is important to seek advice from those who love God and have a good knowledge of
the Bible. When evaluating their advice, check it against the truth of God’s Word. If it
contradicts the Bible, avoid it at all costs.
How do I give good advice to others?
• 1 SA MU E L 3 :1 9 | As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said
proved to be reliable. (See note on page 248.)
People listened to Samuel because Samuel had something important to say. But Samuel
had something important to say because he had a good adviser—the Lord God himself.
• PSA L M 1 :1 | Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand
around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
Following evil advice leads to sorrow and disaster, robbing us of joy and satisfaction.
Godly advice leads to good results, enriching our joy.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• PSA L M 3 2 :8 | “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and
watch over you.”
• PR O VE R B S 1 8 :4 | Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a
bubbling brook.
Affirmation See Encouragement
Afraid See Fear
Anger See also Betrayal; Bitterness; Happiness; Jealousy; Racism & Prejudice;
Self-Control
Anger is a fire that burns and consumes—smoldering, flaming, at times white hot. Anger
is passion. Of all emotions, it may well be the most passionate, for it has the power to
fuel hatred and smother love. Anger itself is not necessarily bad; it is not necessarily
wrong. God himself gets angry. What we need to consider is the object of our anger, the
motive for our anger, and the outcome of our anger. Anger that is self-righteous, protects
our pride, is self-centered, or demands its own way is dangerous. If allowed to continue
unchecked, it will consume us. This kind of anger seeks harm and revenge; it seeks
to destroy. Thus it can lead to bitterness and hatred, emotions that can cause violent
behavior and obliterate compassion and forgiveness.
God’s anger, however, is directed against sin and unrighteousness. He blazes hot
against evil. His anger, like ours, becomes a consuming fire, but its focus is to eradicate
the sin so that the sinner can be restored. Our anger often consumes others and even
HelpFinder
In giving advice to others, have pure motives, point to God’s Word, and don’t use advice
as an excuse to lecture. Pray about what you want to say, and have the other person’s
best interests in mind. Words are like medicine; they should be measured with care, for
an overdose may do more harm than good.
A
• PH I L I PP I A NS 4 :8 | Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure,
and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.