In the biblical narrative, the concept of counsel holds significant importance, serving as a guiding principle for decision-making, leadership, and spiritual growth. The role of counsel is multifaceted, encompassing divine guidance, wise human advice, and the discernment necessary to distinguish between the two.

Divine Counsel

The Bible frequently emphasizes the supremacy of divine counsel. In Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah is referred to as the "Wonderful Counselor," highlighting the perfect wisdom and guidance that come from God. Divine counsel is portrayed as infallible and eternal, as seen in Psalm 33:11: "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations." This underscores the belief that God's plans and guidance are unchanging and reliable.

Human Counsel

While divine counsel is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the value of human counsel. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This suggests that seeking advice from others can provide safety and success. The role of elders and wise individuals in offering counsel is evident throughout Scripture, as seen in the leadership of Moses, who appointed judges to help him govern the people (Exodus 18:13-26).

Discernment in Counsel

The Bible warns of the need for discernment in accepting counsel. Not all advice is beneficial or godly. Psalm 1:1 cautions against walking "in the counsel of the wicked," indicating that the source of counsel must be considered. The account of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12 serves as a cautionary tale; he rejected the wise counsel of the elders in favor of the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom.

Counsel in Leadership

Biblical leaders often relied on counsel to make critical decisions. King David frequently sought the counsel of the Lord through prayer and the prophets (1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Samuel 5:19). The New Testament also reflects this practice, as seen in the early church's decision-making process in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders gathered to seek collective wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Counsel and Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, is replete with references to the importance of counsel. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." This highlights the belief that wise counsel is integral to successful planning and decision-making.

Counsel and the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit as a counselor is emphasized. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Helper" or "Counselor" in John 14:26, indicating that believers have access to divine guidance through the Spirit. This underscores the continuity of God's counsel from the Old Testament to the New Testament, providing believers with ongoing guidance and wisdom.

Conclusion

The role of counsel in the Bible is a testament to the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance, both divine and human. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and the value of collective wisdom in navigating the complexities of life and faith.