Good Counsel
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. ~Proverbs 15:22
All of us know the importance of good advice. Good advice gives us an upper advantage in making prudent decisions. Counsel is advice that is sought out for a specific purpose or reason. Good counsel results in success. Bad counsel can lead to setback and defeat. For a believer in Jesus Christ, counsel should be sought out for the important decisions of our life. This includes choosing one’s career, marriage, family, and serving the Lord full-time. Without counsel, purposes are disappointed. This means the absence of counsel will lead to heartache and failure. Good counsel comes from the Word of God and godly spiritual leaders who have God’s mind on matters. This morning, let us consider the blessings from good counsel.
There is the prevention in good counsel.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Good counsel keeps us on the right path. It is a light for our path and a lamp to our feet. It keeps us from making decisions that we will regret. When David asked counsel of the Lord during difficult times in his life, he always was in the right place at the right time. Good counsel will keep you out of sin. Good counsel will keep you from going to Moab. Good counsel will lead to better relationships. Good counsel is a blessing.
There is the protection in good counsel.
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Good counsel will desire God’s Word for the first and final say. It will safeguard us from losing our joy in the Lord. Paul told the Philippian believers, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe." His writings told them to be careful of false teachers and of those who would beguile their faith. It is the shield of faith for us as we walk the battleground of life.
There is the proactive in good counsel.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Good counsel is you and me asking God to order our steps in His Word every day. It is trusting God for every step that we take even when we are uncertain where it will lead to. David said, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness....” God never leads us where it is not best for us. We must pray for the Lord to open our eyes to behold the wondrous things out of God’s law.
There is the prosperity in good counsel.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Good counsel leads to good success! Consider the many promises from God’s Word that encourage us about prayer and bearing much fruit. Consider the instruction for marriage and raising our children in the Lord. All of this was given by the Lord for the purpose of our spiritual success.
Without counsel, purposes are disappointed. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Seek out good counsel from God’s Word and God’s workmen before making major decisions in your life.
Have a blessed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 108-114