Advice can come in many forms and from many sources.  Sometimes it is good and profitable and at other times, it is risky, as with the stock market, or even disastrous, as would have been investing in the Edsel automobile, some decades ago.   However, there is a sure guarantee of worthy advice in the Word of God for every circumstance of life.  

For example, one of the major aspects of business or government is that of choosing employees and leaders that will demonstrate integrity and fulfill the goals for the task at hand.  

When God called his prophet Samuel to anoint Israel’s next king, these were the divine orders … “When they arrived [at Jesse’s home in Bethlehem], Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.”  But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah” (1 Sam 16:6-13 NIV). 

God was not interested in the outward appearance that could be easily altered to meet the requirements of the position, but rather on the thinking of the individual. The Apostle Paul wrote … “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross” (Phil 2:5-8 NIV)!  Jesus said … “Behold, I have come — in the volume of the book it is written of Me — to do Your will, O God” (Heb 10:7 NKJV).  That magnificent trait of humility enabled Christ to go to the Cross and purchase salvation for all who would simply place their faith in Him. 

Another king, one of David’s sons and successor to the throne of Israel, offered this advice to his sons … “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Prov 1:8 NIV).  “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge” (Prov 19:27 NIV).  Rather, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path” (Prov 23:19 NIV).  God’s Word, embedded in the soul would sustain the individual in whatever circumstance arose.  Thus, on the death march to Babylon, Ezra’s father recalled to mind … “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Ps 119:15-16 NIV).

Though the prophet Jeremiah was speaking specifically to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, warning them of their impending captivity at the hands of the Babylonians in BC 586, his advice is appropriate for any generation … “You of this generation, consider the word of the LORD” (Jer 2:31 NIV).  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21:33 NIV).