Seeking wise counsel is encouraged throughout the Bible, but what does Scripture specifically say about it? Whether it’s advice from friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders, there are clear teachings in the Bible about the value of good counsel and the dangers of bad advice. Let’s take a closer look at what God’s Word says about seeking and giving counsel.
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What Does The Bible Say About counsel
Proverbs 11:14
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and guidance from others. It reminds us that when we are surrounded by wise and trusted advisors, we are more likely to make wise decisions. It is a reminder that we don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone but can seek wisdom and guidance from those with experience and insight.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
This verse reminds us to be humble and open-minded, willing to listen to the advice and wisdom of others. It cautions against the arrogance of thinking that we always know what is right. True wisdom comes from a willingness to seek counsel and consider the perspectives of others.
Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
This verse underscores the importance of seeking counsel, especially when making plans or decisions. It recognizes that the wisdom and input of multiple advisors can help ensure success. By seeking the advice and perspectives of others, we can gain valuable insights that may have otherwise been overlooked.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
This verse encourages us to actively listen and be open to receiving instruction and advice. It acknowledges that true wisdom is gained by being teachable and willing to learn from others. When we humbly accept guidance, we grow in wisdom and make better choices in the future.
Proverbs 20:18
“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance, wage war.”
This verse emphasizes that seeking counsel and wise guidance is essential when making plans or facing difficult situations. It highlights the importance of considering different perspectives and strategies before taking action. By involving wise advisors, we increase our chances of success and minimize potential pitfalls.
Proverbs 24:6
“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
This verse reminds us that seeking wise guidance is crucial, especially in times of challenges or conflicts. It recognizes that victory can be achieved when we listen to the wisdom and advice of trusted counselors. By involving others in our battles, we gain strength and understanding to overcome obstacles.
Proverbs 27:9
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
This verse highlights the importance of sincere and honest advice from a trusted friend. It compares the joy brought by pleasant fragrances to the delight that comes from receiving heartfelt counsel. True friendship involves not only companionship but also the willingness to give and receive wise guidance.
Psalm 33:11
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”
This verse reassures us that God’s counsel is eternal and trustworthy. It affirms that God’s plans and wisdom are consistent throughout generations. As we seek guidance from the Lord, we can have confidence that His counsel will lead us in the right direction.
Psalm 73:24
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
This verse speaks of God’s role as our guide and counselor. It assures us that as we trust in His counsel, He will lead us towards His glorious presence. God’s guidance is not only for our earthly lives but also promises a future of eternal joy and fellowship with Him.
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This verse prophesies about the coming of Jesus, who will be called the Wonderful Counselor. It points to Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and comfort. As believers, we can find solace and direction in Jesus, who is our divine Counselor and the embodiment of perfect wisdom.
Isaiah 11:2
“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
This verse describes the attributes of the Holy Spirit, including the Spirit of counsel, which rests upon Jesus. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is a source of divine wisdom and guidance. Through the Spirit, we can seek and receive counsel from God Himself.
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not only hearing but also applying the teachings of Jesus. It speaks to the wisdom of building our lives and making decisions based on His counsel. By following Jesus’ teachings, we establish a firm foundation that can withstand the storms of life.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
This verse provides guidance on conflict resolution within the body of believers. It encourages open communication and seeking reconciliation with those who have wronged us. By following this counsel, we can restore relationships and foster unity within the Christian community.
John 14:26
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
This verse assures us of the Holy Spirit’s role as a teacher and guide. It shows that the Holy Spirit will remind believers of Jesus’ teachings and provide understanding and wisdom. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s counsel, we can have confidence in our knowledge of God’s Word.
John 16:13
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
This verse speaks of the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers into all truth. It assures us that the Holy Spirit speaks with divine authority and will reveal future things to us. By seeking the counsel of the Holy Spirit, we can have assurance and understanding of God’s plans and purposes.
Romans 8:26
“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit aids us in our moments of weakness and uncertainty. When we don’t know how to pray or what to ask for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. Through his counsel and guidance, we can trust that our prayers align with God’s will.
1 Corinthians 2:10
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”
This verse reveals that the Holy Spirit enables believers to understand God’s wisdom and truth. It shows that the Spirit has access to the deep things of God and shares them with those who seek His counsel. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s revelation, we can grasp the profound mysteries of God.
1 Corinthians 4:5
“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”
This verse cautions against making hasty judgments. It assures us that God will ultimately reveal the concealed motives and intentions of every heart. By seeking God’s counsel and waiting for His timing, we trust in His perfect justice and wisdom rather than relying on our limited understanding.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
This verse instructs us on how to approach someone who has fallen into sin. It encourages a gentle and restorative approach, highlighting the importance of humility and self-reflection in the process. By following this counsel, we can contribute to the healing and redemption of others.
Ephesians 5:15-17
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
This verse urges us to walk wisely and discerningly, fully aware of the time and the challenges around us. It calls us to seek understanding of God’s will and not to be ignorant or foolish. By seeking His counsel and being intentional with our time, we can live wisely and align our lives with His purpose.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of immersing ourselves in the Word of God. It encourages teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom and gratitude. By letting God’s Word guide our interactions and relationships, we can provide godly counsel and grow together in faith.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
This verse invites us to seek wisdom from God, who is generous and willing to bestow wisdom upon us. It encourages us to humbly approach God and ask for His counsel. By seeking His wisdom, we can navigate through life’s challenges with clarity and understanding.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
This verse describes the characteristics of godly wisdom. It highlights the purity, peaceableness, gentleness, reasonability, mercy, and sincerity that accompany divine counsel. By aligning our thoughts and actions with these attributes, we can provide wise counsel and reflect the wisdom of God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
This verse affirms the divine inspiration and usefulness of Scripture. It emphasizes that God’s Word is not only meant for teaching but also for reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness. By seeking God’s counsel through His Word, we can be fully equipped for every good work and live according to His will.
These verses remind us that seeking counsel and guidance is a foundational aspect of our faith journey. God encourages us to seek wisdom from Him and from others, recognizing that we all have limitations and blind spots. It is through seeking wise counsel that we can gain insight and discernment in our decision-making process.
In today’s complex and fast-paced world, seeking counsel can help us navigate through the many challenges and uncertainties we face. Just as we seek guidance from professionals in various areas of life, God calls us to seek His counsel and the counsel of those who are godly and wise. We are not meant to face life’s trials and tribulations alone but rather to lean on the wisdom and support of others.
Additionally, seeking counsel aligns with the biblical principle of humility. It requires acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that we can benefit from the perspectives and insights of others. By seeking counsel, we demonstrate our dependence on God and our willingness to learn and grow.
However, it’s important to exercise discernment when seeking counsel. Not all advice or guidance aligns with biblical principles or wisdom. It is crucial to measure the counsel we receive against God’s Word, ensuring it is in line with His truth. The Bible serves as the ultimate and unchanging source of wisdom, providing timeless guidance for every aspect of our lives.
Reflecting on these verses, I am reminded of moments in my own life when seeking counsel has been invaluable. Whether it was seeking advice from a trusted mentor, seeking the wisdom of older and wiser believers, or simply surrendering to God’s guidance through prayer and scripture, I have experienced firsthand the benefits of seeking wise counsel.
In times of decision-making, seeking counsel has brought clarity and peace to my heart. It has helped me navigate through challenging situations and provided different perspectives that I may not have considered on my own. Through the counsel of others, I have avoided potential pitfalls and been encouraged to pursue paths aligned with God’s will.
As believers, when we are faced with important decisions, seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith but an expression of humility and trust in God’s wisdom. It is a recognition of our need for community and the importance of seeking guidance from those who have gone before us.
Let us remember these verses as we journey through life, seeking wisdom and guidance from God and from fellow believers. May we always be open to seeking counsel, being discerning in the advice we receive, and ultimately trusting in the Lord’s leading and direction.