彼は友人の忠言に素直に耳を傾けた。
He listened openly to his friend's sincere advice.
忠言耳に逆らうと言うが、あの時の言葉は今でもありがたく思う。
They say good advice grates on the ear, but I'm still grateful for what was said to me then.
王は家臣の忠言を退け、戦を始めてしまった。
The king rejected his retainer's admonition and started the war.