#soap # 2 Samuel 18 ## Title: Listening to Others ## Scripture: (2 Samuel 18:4) Then the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.”So the king stayed beside the city gate, while all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands. (NET) ## Observation: In the NT, Jesus says to not build a building without first counting the cost. Paul talks about being careful who you hang around. The Bible is full of warnings and encouragement about hanging around the right people and listening to wise counsel. It is important that we do not do life alone AND we bring people with us who can be trusted with wise counsel. This does not mean we constantly let other people run our lives. It does mean we listen to the opinions of others and judge if it is good advice. David judged this to be wise advice, and it worked out the way it needed to. ## Application: Cultivate relationships with people who are on your team and you are on their team. When they give advice, you know it is with your best interest in mind. Same for you. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for leading us and counseling us along the way.