Write the Next Chapter

Every season is a handoff—run your leg with purpose and faith.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

My good friends and training partners, Alex and Joe, each celebrated birthdays last week — and not just any birthdays. It was their 65th. For many people, that age signals a significant life transition.

But transitions don’t only happen at 65. They show up throughout life: finishing school, getting married, starting a career, retiring, or navigating unexpected change. In those moments, it’s both natural and wise to seek counsel from people we trust.

That raises an important question: How do we know when advice is actually good advice?

Not every voice speaking into our lives carries wisdom. Some people are well-meaning but uninformed, others may have their own agendas, and a few may simply offer poor guidance.

One helpful filter is whether the advice reflects God’s larger view of life.

Ecclesiastes repeatedly calls us to live thoughtfully before God, recognizing both the brevity of life and the value of walking wisely within it. Ecclesiastes reminds us that wisdom often comes through perspective, humility, and companionship. Here are a few examples.

Speech and perspective

Ecclesiastes 7:9 cautions, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Wise counsel usually encourages patience, restraint, and thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions.

Work and purpose

Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Good advice about work doesn’t just chase success; it points toward meaningful effort balanced with gratitude.

Relationships

Ecclesiastes 4:12 highlights the strength of community: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” The strongest guidance often comes from relationships rooted in mutual care, accountability, and faith.

Contentment, generosity, and priorities

Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns, “Whoever loves money never has enough.” Wise counsel reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulation alone but from reverence for God, generosity, and appreciation of His daily gifts.

Financial expert Dave Ramsey illustrates this with the image of an open hand versus a closed fist. When you cling tightly to what you have, nothing leaves — but nothing can enter either.

So when life shifts — whether through celebration, challenge, or unexpected change — listen carefully to the advice you receive. But don’t stop there. Weigh it against God’s wisdom, remembering Ecclesiastes 12:13:

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

When guidance aligns with that foundation, you can step into your next chapter with confidence. Transitions become less intimidating when we walk with God, supported by wise companions, trusting that every season — even uncertain ones — still has purpose in His plan.

Have a GREAT week!

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley