You Know It When You Hear It

(Proverbs 19:20 KJV)  Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

In this verse it does not tell us whom we are to listen to.  The closest context seems to be a father speaking to a son so we can accept that as a legitimate source.  In this modern day with many good translations of the Bible there is no excuse for not taking counsel from the written word.  When it comes to preachers and teachers we need to be cautious.  There are so many false teachers around that we are in deep riptides if we have no discernment.

One of the sermon illustrations that I have heard many times has to do with recognizing counterfeit money.  There are many things to look for but one bank clerk simply said, “I know what the real thing feels like”.  If we read, think about what we read and seek to apply it we will know good advice when we hear it.  We may not like what we hear but we will know it is genuine.

So?  Be open to input from others but don’t neglect to do your homework.