Wise counsel is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of seeking and heeding advice that aligns with God's wisdom. The Scriptures consistently highlight the value of guidance that is rooted in divine understanding and moral integrity.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of wise counsel is deeply embedded in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. The Book of Proverbs, attributed to Solomon, is particularly rich in references to the importance of seeking and valuing wise advice. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance." This verse underscores the necessity of collective wisdom and the peril of ignoring counsel.

Proverbs 15:22 further reinforces this idea: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." The emphasis here is on the success that comes from consulting multiple sources of wisdom, suggesting that a multitude of perspectives can lead to more robust and effective decision-making.

The Role of Godly Counselors

In the Old Testament, figures such as Moses and David often sought the counsel of God and His prophets. Moses, for instance, received guidance from Jethro, his father-in-law, who advised him on the delegation of responsibilities (Exodus 18:17-24). This counsel was instrumental in establishing a more sustainable leadership structure for the Israelites.

Similarly, King David frequently sought the counsel of the Lord through prophets like Nathan. In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan's confrontation with David over his sin with Bathsheba serves as a powerful example of the role of a godly counselor in bringing about repentance and restoration.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm the value of wise counsel, particularly within the context of the early Church. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council serves as a model of collective decision-making, where apostles and elders gathered to seek God's will regarding the inclusion of Gentile believers. This event highlights the importance of communal discernment and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often emphasizes the need for believers to seek wisdom and understanding. In Colossians 1:9 , Paul writes, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Here, Paul underscores the necessity of divine wisdom in navigating the Christian life.

Characteristics of Wise Counsel

Wise counsel, according to biblical principles, is characterized by several key attributes:

1. Alignment with Scripture: True wisdom is consistent with the teachings of the Bible. Counsel that contradicts God's Word is not considered wise.

2. Fear of the Lord: Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Reverence for God is foundational to wise counsel.

3. Discernment and Prudence: Wise counselors possess the ability to discern right from wrong and offer prudent advice. Proverbs 13:10 notes, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised."

4. Humility and Teachability: A wise counselor is humble and open to learning. James 3:17 describes wisdom from above as "first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere."

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek wise counsel in various aspects of life, including personal decisions, relationships, and spiritual growth. The Bible advises individuals to surround themselves with godly advisors who can provide insight and guidance. Proverbs 19:20 exhorts, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days."

In summary, wise counsel is a vital component of a life lived in accordance with God's will. It involves seeking advice that is rooted in Scripture, characterized by humility, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Through wise counsel, believers can navigate the complexities of life with discernment and integrity.Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.
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2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Isaiah 47:13
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from these things that shall come on you.
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Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
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Matthew 23:15
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
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8458. tachbulah -- direction, counsel
... Word Origin from chabal Definition direction, counsel NASB Word Usage counsels
(1), guidance (2), wise counsel (1), wise guidance (2). fornication, whoredom. ...
/hebrew/8458.htm - 6k

As the Doctrine of Divine Election by the Most Wise Counsel of God ...
... First Head of Doctrine. Divine Election and Reprobation Article 14 As the doctrine
of divine election by the most wise counsel of God was declared? ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/article 14 as the doctrine.htm

Anti-Unionistic Attitude.
... Others teach: This is not true; He died only for the small number of those who,
according to the holy will and the wise counsel of God, are elected from ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-unionistic attitude.htm

The Canons of Dordt
... additional matter? Article 14 As the doctrine of divine election by the
most wise counsel of God was declared? Article 15 What ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the canons of dordt/

Divine Election and Reprobation
... As the doctrine of election by the most wise counsel of God was declared by the
prophets, by Christ Himself, and by the apostles, and is clearly revealed in ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ...
... riches? Hear the Power of God, nothing is more strong than He. Why art thou
preparing wise counsel [2108] to protect thy riches? Hear ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon x on the words.htm

Hebrew Craft
... say. "But thou knowest, my father, that Meneptah must be for ever directed.
Who, then, offered him this wise counsel? Rameses?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xi hebrew craft.htm

"And for Sin Condemned Sin in the Flesh. "
... in the world, and one of the most noble creatures carried away in this revolt, from
allegiance to the divine majesty, the most holy and wise counsel of heaven ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii and for sin.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... Brethren, I can testify for my God that when I have submitted my will to his directing
Spirit, I have always had reason to thank him for his wise counsel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

Gamaliel's Counsel
... good side and by its admirers, would be described as prudent, wise, cautious and ...
It is, of course, possible that he bases his counsel of letting the followers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/gamaliels counsel.htm

The Second Thing. --Why God, after Rejoicing the Heart, Often ...
... weak in resisting my enemies, cold and lukewarm in all that is good; he who visits
me finds an empty house, for the master, who gives wise counsel and makes ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter ix the second thing why.htm

How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? | GotQuestions.org

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Wise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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