Wise Counsel
Today’s Verse:
Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. ~Proverbs 20:5
Counsel is expert advice that we seek for our life. Counsel enables us to see a clearer picture of the situation we are in and how to make a sound decision. Counsel helps us to see the advantages and disadvantages. It helps us to see the risks and benefits. Let us see how we should approach the matter of counsel.
We see the excellence.
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). The first thing we must realize is that Jesus Christ is the summation of all wisdom and counsel. The Lord, through His Word, gives us infallible advice and counsel on all critical areas of life. Counsel from God is getting His mind on matters of life. Solomon said that the counsel of the Lord shall stand.
We see the experience.
“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war” (Proverbs 20:18). Counsel draws from the experience of wise men. Before we embark into something major or risky, we should get counsel. Drawing from the experience of a seasoned and wise counsellor helps us not to make costly mistakes, waste time, and lose credibility. Counsel helps us to know when to step out and when not to step out. We must remember that counsel is not getting consent for our plans. Counsel tells us what to expect or not to expect. Good counsel is the foundation of every successful endeavor.
We see the extraction.
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” We must learn how to ask the right questions when we seek counsel. We must be willing to accept downside risks and cautions given to us. Asking the right questions determines our teachability. We must go deep into the heart of a man filled with wise counsel if we wish to have clear direction.
We see the exasperation.
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22). The failure to seek counsel results in disappointment, wasted energy, losses, and failure. As we think and pray over a certain endeavor, we must have on our initial to-do list the names of wise men we will seek counsel from before we take any steps forward. Save yourself from heartache and sorrow by getting counsel early.
We see the exhortation.
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Proverbs 19:20). There is sound counsel in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Every time the Bible is preached, there is counsel being given. Careful attention and notetaking are essential musts when we sit under preaching. I believe many of God’s people miss God’s will for their life or get into situations they regret because they fail to hear and heed the counsel of God’s Word.
Wise counsel is a necessity for your life. Secure wise counsel for the major decisions in life. Be willing to humble yourself and seek counsel at all times.
Have a wisdom-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 35-37