It is so important for us to listen to encouragement and advice from our elders. What needs to be realized is that these are not controlling devices, rather, they are guard rails to keep us on the right track.
"Listen [consent and submit] to the words of the wise and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them." Proverbs 22:17-18, Amplified
First, the author encourages the reader to listen and apply themselves to his unique brand of wisdom. Remember that Solomon was the smartest man in the world. But this is the first step that we as believers need to take, consent and submit to the words and advice of those who are smarter and more experienced than ourselves.
We must do this because it will be pleasant for us. Notice that wisdom that comes from the Lord is never detrimental to the believer? But the more that we believe and accept advice and wisdom from the godly, it will be easier for us to confess that same advice and wisdom. If you ever have watched one of those infomercials, the people that they have selling the product believe that it works. If they did not believe, they would never be able to sell any, because one must believe what he is selling. Then, sometimes they have testimonials from customers who have purchased the product talking about how good it is.
None of this would have been possible, however, if the product had not worked. None of this would have worked if someone did not believe in the product. None of this would have been possible if someone had not confessed that belief to others.
"That your trust - belief, reliance, support and confidence - may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even your." Proverbs 22:19, Amplified
Why is he giving this advice to the reader? He is directing the reader to the Lord. This is the great litmus test of advice given. Where does it lead you. Is it something supported by the Bible. Is it something the Lord would approve of? Advice given must always draw us, push us, guide us toward the Lord. If it does not, then the advice is not good.
"Have I not written to you [long ago] excellent things in counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may give a true answer to those who have sent you?" Proverbs 22:20-21, Amplified
Solomon is reaffirming his reasons to writing these words of wisdom. This world is so full of uncertainty, but the truth never suffers ambiguity. We must receive the truth in order to give an answer to those who ask it of us.
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