1 Samuel 24:4
“Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’ ” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.”

We are all different and unique. Some of us are more open to receiving counsel, while others are very skeptical of counselors. Having counselors is always good, but not all counselors are suitable, and not all counsel is appropriate.

Discern the voices around you. There will be many counselors, but weigh them to know which ones are from the Lord and which are not. People may mean well when they counsel you, but still put them on God’s scale.

Out of zeal and desire to help you, people may quote Scripture passages to support their counsel and lead you in a particular direction. Again, be vigilant. Note that not all Scripture verses quoted may apply to your situation.

David’s men were so zealous for David and wanted him to take action against Saul, who was at a point of vulnerability. In response to their counsel, David initially acted in line with the counsel, but soon afterward, he regretted it.

Verse (5) says that afterward, “David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe.” Be sensitive to your heart. As pilgrims, watch how your heart responds to your actions. Irrespective of who counseled you, check your heart.

Be discerning. Listen to everyone, but listen more to the move of the Spirit of God within you. If you don’t feel peace about something, pause and wait for the Lord to confirm it. If you are restless within you, pause before acting.

We need counselors. We need loyal people around us. We need people who are committed to us and are willing to guide our actions. Even when we disagree with their counsel, don’t push them away. Know that they mean well.

However, never let emotionalism affect your spiritual discernment of what God may require from you. Each pilgrim must live by the standards God has for him. Those who counsel may not understand that. So, love your counselors, but be discerning.