The Foolish and the Wise: What the Bible Teaches About Who We Listen To
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There’s a subtle war happening in the world every day—not with weapons, but with words. We live in a time where advice is everywhere: social media posts, podcasts, YouTube videos, and even unsolicited comments from friends, family, or strangers. But not all advice is godly. And not all voices are worth following. The Bible draws a clear line between the foolish and the wise, and as believers, we’re called to discern which voices shape our lives.
I’ve learned the hard way that who you listen to shapes who you become. That’s why I’ve been diving deeper into what the Word of God says about wisdom, counsel, and humility. I want to be someone who seeks God’s wisdom—and that means learning to identify when the advice I’m getting (or giving!) is grounded in truth… or in foolishness.
A World Full of Voices
Have you ever found yourself confused after seeking advice? Maybe you received five different answers from five different people—and still didn’t feel peace. The truth is, this world is full of opinions. But not every voice aligns with God's voice.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
—Proverbs 12:15 (KJV)
This verse cuts straight to the heart. Fools don’t ask for advice. Or worse—they seek it only to confirm what they already want to do. Wise people, however, are willing to listen, learn, and change course.
The Difference Between Worldly and Godly Wisdom
Worldly wisdom is often based on what’s popular, profitable, or self-serving. It tends to be loud, confident, and appealing. But Scripture reminds us that this kind of “wisdom” is often the very opposite of what God calls wise.
“This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
—James 3:15–16 (KJV)
Godly wisdom, on the other hand, is characterized by humility, peace, and purity.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
—James 3:17 (KJV)
So how do we discern which voices to trust? James gives us a litmus test. Ask yourself:
Is this advice rooted in peace or conflict?
Does it line up with Scripture?
Does it bring clarity or confusion?
Does it encourage humility or feed pride?
The Power of Humility in Receiving Wisdom
Sometimes, the biggest barrier to walking in wisdom is our own pride. I’ve been guilty of brushing off wise counsel because I didn’t want to be corrected. But humility opens the door for wisdom to enter.
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
—Proverbs 11:2 (KJV)
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that wisdom is not about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to be taught. It’s okay to not have all the answers. In fact, that’s exactly where God does His best work—in a teachable, surrendered heart.
Biblical Examples of Wise and Foolish Listeners
David and Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
When David was ready to destroy Nabal and all his household, Abigail—Nabal’s wife—approached David with humility and wisdom. Instead of reacting with pride, David listened.
“Blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou… for in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth… thou hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood.”
—1 Samuel 25:33 (KJV)
David could have ignored her. He was angry, justified, and powerful. But because he chose to listen, he avoided bloodshed and honored God. That’s the power of wise counsel.
Rehoboam (1 Kings 12)
When Solomon’s son Rehoboam became king, he had a decision to make—whether to lighten the burden on the people or increase it. He sought advice from two groups: the elders and his young peers. He rejected the wisdom of the older men and followed the foolish, harsh advice of his friends.
“But he forsook the counsel of the old men… and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him.”
—1 Kings 12:8 (KJV)
The result? The kingdom was divided. His pride and poor listening led to national disaster.
Are You Listening to the Right Voices?
Here’s a heart check we all need: Who are you letting influence your decisions? Is it social media influencers, popular culture, or voices that tickle your ears? Or are you surrounding yourself with godly mentors, Scripture, prayer, and the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
—Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)
I’ve learned that wisdom isn’t something that just happens. It’s cultivated through who we walk with and what we tune into. If we want wisdom, we must choose it.
Learning to Be a Wise Voice for Others
It’s not just about receiving advice. It’s also about what we speak into others’ lives. Are we speaking wisdom, or are we offering opinions rooted in our emotions or preferences?
Jesus said:
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
—Matthew 12:36 (KJV)
Let that sober us. Our words matter. When others come to us for counsel, we have a responsibility to point them toward Scripture, not just personal opinions.
Walking in Wisdom Daily
So, what does it look like to walk in wisdom every day?
Stay in the Word.
Wisdom begins with God’s Word. If we don’t know what He says, we’ll fall for anything.“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” —Proverbs 9:10
Pray for discernment.
God loves to give wisdom to those who ask.“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God… and it shall be given him.” —James 1:5
Surround yourself with godly counsel.
Seek out those who bear good fruit and walk closely with the Lord.“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” —Proverbs 11:14
Be slow to speak, quick to listen.
Wisdom listens more than it talks.“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” —James 1:19
Final Encouragement
Friend, in a world overflowing with noise, may we become people who pursue the quiet, steady voice of wisdom. May we humble ourselves to hear from God and those He sends to guide us. And may we never forget that foolishness isn’t just about what we know—it’s about who we listen to and how we respond.
Let’s choose wisdom. Let’s choose humility. And let’s be intentional about which voices shape our lives.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
This week, take some time to reflect on the voices influencing you. Write down five people or sources you regularly turn to for advice—then prayerfully consider: Are they pointing me toward wisdom, or away from it? Ask God to reveal where you need to shift your attention and seek counsel aligned with His truth.
If this message resonated with you, share it with someone you trust—and maybe have a conversation together about what it means to walk in wisdom.
