As I hovered over the coffee pot one night during Family Dinner, my dad asked, “Do you drink a lot of coffee?”

“Oh, no,” I said. “Just two cups in the morning. After lunch I drink a coffee protein shake. In the afternoon, I have another cup. But I don’t always drink coffee at night.”

The kitchen became quiet until my daughter Elise spoke up.

“Mom, that’s a lot of coffee!”

I decided not to mention that in between coffee, I drink tea.

I pondered my caffeine intake and realized I should cut back. It seems odd that it took others to point it out, but it’s not the first time I’ve listened to advice, albeit unsolicited.

Proverbs 27:17 reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Just as two iron blades are rubbed against each other and become sharper and more effective, friends can help each other to improve.

Because my opinions seem right to me, I’ve learned to appreciate people who challenge me, share insight and help to bring mental sharpness.

How many people do you allow to speak into your life? Whose voice do you listen to?

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.