Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz: Listening Before Giving Advice

Usually, persons asking for advice have already solved their own problem without knowing it.

Attribution printed on the image: Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz

A reflection on the teaching

When someone asks for advice, it can help to listen before offering a solution. They may already have noticed part of the answer but need help sorting through fear or competing concerns. The saying printed here invites a respectful approach: ask what they have considered, what they think matters and what is making the choice difficult. This does not mean expert guidance is unnecessary. It means the person should have room to think within the conversation. A useful first question is: what do you already sense would help?

Source note: The attribution above is transcribed from the image. The exact source and English wording have not been independently verified.