This is the 6029th most frequent Russian word.
советам
"Советам" means "to the councils" or "to the advice," depending on context.
The word 'советам' is used here in the dative plural form, indicating that advice is being given or directed to the speaker.
Я следую советам старших, чтобы учиться на их опыте.
I follow the advice of elders to learn from their experience.
In this sentence, 'советам' is also in the dative plural form, demonstrating the advice given by friends.
Прислушивайтесь к советам друзей в трудные моменты.
Listen to friends' advice during hard times.
The word 'советам' is again dative plural, used to reference advice as a helpful or contributive factor in the context described.