The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not. (Henry Ward Beecher, 19th century clergyman)
When we give advice, we most often want to see how faithfully it is followed. If our counsel is followed, we are happy that we contributed to another’s well-being. Beech says, however, that that shouldn’t be a concern to us. That’s hard to accept, isn’t it? But we advise, not for our pleasure, but to help others. And where we get our advice and counsel is most important.
To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his (Job 12:13). “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power,“ [says the Lord] (Proverbs 8:14).