Robert D. Hales, in his book “Return” wrote:
. . . . intelligence alone does not always result in wisdom. We will not make the right eternal choices based solely on our analysis of facts and pure intellectual skill. Nor can we simply go to the Lord and ask Him to give us answers if we have not done our homework. . . Earnest study and pondering, together with fasting and prayer, are the only way to build reliable knowledge and deep wisdom.
. . . . Along with study and prayer, seek guidance and counsel form trusted advisers. . . Advice and counsel are vital because the people who love you and bear responsibility with you (and for you) know you best. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5) This is a time when we make an assessment of our gifts and talents—what has been given us so that we can make a contribution and share it with others during our sojourn on earth. When seeking wise counsel, we can turn to those who have exhibited obedience to the commandments and willingness to follow the promptings of the Spirit in their lives.
As a young man I was blessed to be able to counsel with President Harold B. Lee about several important decisions in life. On one occasion I was visiting Salt Lake, and he asked me to come by his office. He knew something I didn’t know—that someone would be asking me to represent a certain organization. He put both his hands on my shoulders, looked me directly in the eye, and said, “Be careful who you give your name to.” I have always been grateful for the counsel of wise mentors. ~Robert D. Hales, Return (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010) 167-68
