Giving My Two Cents Worth

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever given advice? I am sure you have and I am sure that you have experienced times where your advice could have been better, delivered in a better tone, or simply was ignored.

While I was reading a blog on giving advice from a professional business point of view, I quickly thought these ideas were excellent for me personally as well as professionally. I thought I would share these advice tips with you.
1. Be careful about overstepping boundaries. Has our advice been asked for? Don’t answer before a question is asked.
2. Don’t rush to a diagnosis. Wait to hear the full story. Probe, listen, and ponder before giving advice.
3. Keep your own experiences to yourself. You aren’t in their shoes so don’t advise based on what you would do.
4. Communicate clearly. Avoid jargon and academic language and, I will add, “Christianese”. Clichés come easy but think beyond advising a quick snippet of often heard words of wisdom.
5. Don’t be hurt if your advice is not taken. After you have said all you can say the decision and the consequences are the seeker’s. *

As believers, we always want to advise from the Word of God so it is wise to get familiar with the advice of God. We can only advise as far as our own wisdom takes us. But as you and I seek to know God and His Word we will be better equipped to share advice that can transform lives.

That’s my two cents worth for today!

Blessings,
Kathy

*Advice Giving as vocation, avocation and hopefully not annoyance by Generous Matters, January 12, 2015 and HBR(Harvard Business Review)-The Art of Giving and Receiving Advice by David A. Garvin & Joshua D. Margolis

Kathy’s on staff at America’s Keswick in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 28 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday school and Bible studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.