A beautiful teaching from the Book of Proverbs tells us about the importance of knowing how to deal with people. Being open to the ideas of others and not being dominated by prejudices is essential for successful decision-making, and this is what the listening process consists of, something very difficult these days.
The Book of Proverbs with these words gives us this wisdom for successful leaders: "Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance" Proverbs 20:18.
If men want to achieve their plans, first must look for talented people and seek the advice of these people, that's why the bible teaches: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm" Proverbs 13:20. Because if men surround themselves only with people who flatter them or are submissive, these kind of persons will advise only according to what suits them, and not about what suits others, the advice of people like this is like a dagger in the back: "Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet" Proverbs 29:5.
And a clear example of this teaching was when King Ahab in the Bible looked for prophets to advise him in war in 1 Kings 22. Ahab only tolerated the prophets who told him what he wanted to hear.
But it happened that Ahab turned to the most skillful and intelligent prophet, his name was Micaiah son of Imlah. And when the King sent a messenger to consult, the messenger advised the prophet: "Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably" 1 Kings 22:13.
But the prophet Micaiah answered the truth to the king, and told him that if he went to war, it would be a disaster for the King, this answer upset Ahab a lot, and so, Ahab sent the prophet to jail. Ahab was not interested to follow the prophet's advice, nor did he accept his guidance, as a consequence, Ahab died from a serious wound in battle.
For all this, knowing how to recognize the guidance of wisdom, and seek the assertive advice (precise and accurate) are the keys to success in the plans.
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