So aptly written are the words of the ancient sage, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, then you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20).

It seems that buried deep within the heart of all humanity is a resistance to take counsel.  If offends our ego, activates our defensiveness and promotes our tendency to “turf-guarding.”  It seems that we are arrogantly unwilling to admit that we do not have all the answers.

This scenario is only heightened when the counsel comes from an unfriendly voice or person, renown for their harsh critique.  We most often react to the individual and disregard altogether the counsel.  Often our failure to listen is to our own detriment. 

The last source form which Balaam wanted to glean counsel was his stubborn donkey and yet the words from his beast of burden were wise words he needed to hear.  His defensive response and ego-driven posture could have cost him dearly.

Listen to the counsel rather than judging or profiling the vessel.  Perhaps God is waiting not only to provide you with divine direction, but also to teach you a lesson in humility.  “Listen to counsel….that you may be wise the rest of your days.”