2 Kings 12:2  Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (NIV)

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Two heads are better than one. 

This old proverb serves us well, doesn’t it? As smart as anyone may be, he or she is not as smart as they could be by combining their intelligence, reasoning, and planning together. 

King Solomon could speak with clear brilliance on many different subjects. His broad understanding, however, wasn’t enough. He did a good job of collecting wisdom in a book that we call Proverbs. He did a less-than-good job of putting into practice all that he learned. 

King Joash had a similar experience. As long as he had Jehoiada the priest instructing him, he made really good decisions. 

Who do you turn to for wisdom? Who are the men and women you rely on for guidance? Two heads really are better than one. None of us is as smart as all of us. 

Each of us needs a mentor or a tribe of mentors, as one popular book puts it in its title. John Maxwell said something years ago that got my attention. He said some people mentor us up close and others mentor us from a distance. 

Our parents and professors, along with friends and relatives who are ahead of us on life’s journey, provide necessary guidance. People we may never meet write books and create other kinds of media that provide us with necessary instruction. 

Who helps you not only with knowledge and wisdom, but also with your walk with God? Who goes beyond preaching and teaching to unhurried conversation and thoughtful questions?

Use all the brains you’ve got and all the brains you can borrow.

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I will lean in and learn from those who will faithfully and wisely guide me into truth and its proper application. 

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Our Father, thank you for the great men and women you placed in my life all along the way to help me master different aspects of life and living. I ask that you continue to surround me with people who are wiser than I. Surround me with people who are deeper than me. Surround me with people who walk closely with you, who hear you clearly, and obey you immediately. Empower me to live like this for others. Amen.