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Following Wise Counsel

Who do you turn to when you need advice?

Depending on the situation, it’s good to have multiple trusted sources to lean on.

In a moment that could have been driven by anxiety, ambition, or self-promotion, Esther chose restraint and wisdom. She had every reason to chase the spotlight—after all, she was being presented before the king, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Rather than reaching a selfish hand toward the opportunity, Esther humbled herself. She listened to the counsel of Hegai, a man who knew the system better than anyone, and asked for only what he recommended.

That simple act reveals something powerful: Esther trusted.

She didn’t try to outshine the others through charm or manipulation. She let her character speak. She was humble and teachable.

The result?

She “won the favor of everyone who saw her.”

Men, we live in a world obsessed with hustling for recognition. It’s easy to adopt a bootstrap mentality—I must do it for myself. The cultural pressure to outdo, outperform, and over-(self)-promote can be intense.

But God’s way looks different. It starts with humility, with the courage to listen, and the wisdom to follow godly counsel.

Esther didn’t coast passively—she acted intentionally. But her intention wasn’t to elevate herself; it was to honor those around her and trust God for whatever was next. That kind of posture is rare, especially in moments when everything is on the line.

Can we be men like that?

What if we approached our careers, our marriages, or our ministries with that kind of humility? What if we stopped trying to force our way forward and instead asked, “Lord, who have You placed around me for guidance?” or “How can I walk faithfully without striving for the spotlight?”

Influence rooted in humility is influence that lasts. When we walk with confidence rooted in God’s sovereignty, not our own ability, we become someone others trust.

Favor isn’t earned through bravado—it grows through consistent, quiet strength.

This week, we will walk through the book of Esther. Let her example challenge you today. Influence doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s listening more than speaking, serving more than striving, and trusting God more than yourself.

Prayer: Father, help me walk with the humility Esther showed. Teach me to listen to godly counsel, resist self-promotion, and trust You with the outcome. Help my character reflect You in quiet strength. Amen.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to grab for control instead of humbly trusting God’s timing and the counsel of others? What could you do to follow Esther’s example instead?