Abram

January 20

Genesis 16:1-6

Listening to the right advice

After living in Canaan for ten years, Abram’s wife, Sarai, still had no children. It seemed as though she would never have any, so she said to Abram, “Why don’t you let my servant have a baby instead? Then the baby can be like my own.”

Abram agreed, and Hagar became pregnant with Abram’s child. But while she was expecting, Hagar grew proud and began to look down on Sarai because she could not have a child herself.

Then Sarai complained to Abram, saying, “It is your fault that Hagar is treating me this way.”

So Abram said to her, “She is your servant. Do whatever you think is right.”

As time went on, Sarai began treating Hagar so harshly that Hagar ran away.

Should I listen to the advice of others?

Often, life is not as simple as we would like it to be. Sooner or later, we face difficult problems that need to be solved. In some situations, the answer is clear; other times it is not, and we are left with a hard decision to make.

We may ask others for advice, trusting that they will help us choose the best option. But sometimes people give advice based on their own experiences. They may see how a plan works for them, without thinking about how it could affect you or others later on. When Abram had a problem, he took Sarai’s advice instead of checking with God.

It is great to know that we can turn to God for wisdom and guidance. He not only sees into the future, but also leads us in the way that is best for us.

Verse for today

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8