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Should we give advice? Yes, no or maybe? It is tough to answer it. We can circle back from no to yes or yes to no. Depending on how you answer it
However, before we proceed, we should be clear about a few things.

1. Make sure you are giving the correct advice. The Doctors were treating George Washington – George Washington had a really bad infection. Based on the knowledge they had in those days, they decided to do blood letting, get rid of the poison in the blood – guess what, all they did was cause or hasten his demise. Was this the right advice (based on books, or colleagues) they implemented? In other words, you must be an authority on the subject before you guide someone.
2. Well, then you may argue – in the 1980’s people were treating an acute coronary syndrome with morphine, rest etc. They were acting in the best of interest based on their knowledge. Again same mistake – but that is all they had to offer. There was not enough knowledge about the subject. So remember, knowledge is always evolving. But the information that you get from a physician would be better than information from a lay person.
3. Stay within your role – if you are a physician you can give advice to the patient. Dont try giving the advice to your spouse – definitely it would be the beginning of a fight. Who knows if you try too hard with your spouse, it could be the beginning of a world war. What about your role as a friend? What about your role as a parent? Do you make a decision based on social etiquette? Do you decide based on rules of Karma? Do you decide based Manu smruti?
4. Lets examine based on being a parent. You are only permitted to guide children till they turn 25. Knowing the current generation – you are lucky if they listen to you past the age of 14 or 15. However it is in the best interest of the child to listen to parents till they are 25. Again quite murky. What if the parents are not smart and give bad advice? Do you see the problems? Knowing this is quite tricky and no clear cut right answer – I will drop this question
5. What about friends? Truth be told as a friend, you should not advice unless your friends ask for advice. By the same token do not ask your friends who run a grocery store, advice on how to build a space rocket either. It is your responsibility to make sure you ask the right friend with the right question.
6. Now as far as society is concerned – colleagues, family gatherings etc – there will be millions of suggestions and advice given. You really cant stop them. At that point, dont get into an argument. Take the advice you think is appropriate and get rid of the rest from your mind. Or politely find a reason to get up and walk away.
7. The truth is very few people are qualified to give advice. If there is a God, he is most certainly qualified. Of all the most qualified person, guess who is the most silent?? Sort of silent. His way of telling us is quite practical. He sends awkward situations which are his way of telling us to be weary. Example a near accident while texting and driving. Or pains of life, can be an example to find something better, a higher level of consciousness and a reminder to find more permanent peace
8. The great saints are better than God. They also remain silent. I never saw Gurudev ever advice anyone. He would silently watch. Maybe hint but thats all. Even if someone asked him for guidance, his answer would be a hint, thats all.
9. Thats enough on advice. I should follow my own advice and not advice on advise