Seeking wise counsel is a recurring theme in the Bible. God encourages us to seek advice from others, especially those who are grounded in His word, so that we can make sound decisions and live according to His will. Below, we explore several biblical passages that highlight the importance of receiving godly counsel in our lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Counseling
The Value of Wise Counsel
The Bible places great importance on seeking and following wise counsel. God often uses others to direct our paths, and He encourages us to seek wisdom in our decisions. Wisdom from others, especially from those grounded in faith, helps us make better choices and align our actions with God’s plan.
Proverbs 11:14
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”
Proverbs 24:6
“So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.”
James 1:5
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Psalm 1:1
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.”
God’s Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom
There is a difference between human wisdom and godly wisdom. While human wisdom may seem logical, godly wisdom transcends our understanding. We are encouraged to rely on God’s wisdom, often revealed through godly counselors, to guide us on the right path.
1 Corinthians 3:19
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, ‘He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.'”
Proverbs 3:7
“Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.”
Isaiah 55:8
“‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’”
Listening to Godly Advice
The Bible stresses the importance of being open to advice, especially from those who walk closely with God. Receiving advice from those grounded in faith can lead to blessings and wise decision-making. Ignoring such counsel often leads to missteps and regrets.
Proverbs 12:15
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”
Proverbs 19:20
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”
Proverbs 13:10
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
Proverbs 27:9
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”
Trusting in the Lord for Guidance
Though wise counsel from others is essential, ultimately, we are called to trust the Lord for direction. By seeking God’s will through prayer and Scripture, we can discern the right path and make decisions aligned with His plans for our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Psalm 32:8
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'”
Isaiah 30:21
“Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”
Proverbs 16:9
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Avoiding Foolish Counsel
Not all counsel is wise, and the Bible warns us to be discerning about the advice we follow. Foolish or ungodly counsel can lead us astray. We must be cautious and evaluate advice based on its alignment with God’s Word.
Psalm 1:1
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.”
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.”
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.'”
Counsel in Times of Decision
When we face significant life decisions, seeking wise counsel is crucial. The Bible encourages us to ask for advice from trusted sources, ensuring that our choices are aligned with God’s will and purpose for us. Decisions made with wise counsel can bring peace and clarity.
Proverbs 20:18
“Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.”
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”
Luke 14:28
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?”
1 Kings 12:7
“The older counselors replied, ‘If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.'”
Isaiah 30:1
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children, says the Lord. ‘You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.'”
The Role of Elders and Leaders
In the church and community, elders and leaders play a key role in offering wise counsel. The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those appointed by God to lead and direct His people, helping us stay aligned with His teachings and instructions.
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
Titus 1:5
“I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.”
1 Timothy 5:17
“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
The Blessing of Counsel from Friends
Friendship is a source of rich and meaningful counsel. God places friends in our lives to encourage and guide us. The Bible encourages seeking the advice of trusted friends, who can provide support and wisdom rooted in God’s truth, helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
Job 16:20-21
“My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God. I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends.”
John 15:13
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Books
What Does the Bible Say About Wise Counsel
The Bible teaches a lot about the importance of seeking wise counsel in life. Wise counsel means getting advice from people who have understanding, experience, and good judgment. Life is full of decisions, big and small, and no one has all the answers. That’s why it’s important to seek advice from others who can offer helpful insight.
One of the main ideas about wise counsel is that no one should go through life alone, thinking they know everything. Pride can lead a person to make bad choices because they rely only on their own thinking. When we humble ourselves and ask for help, we are more likely to make better decisions. Sometimes, we might think we know the right path, but other people can see things from a different angle. Their experience or knowledge might help us avoid making a mistake we didn’t see coming.
It’s important to seek advice from the right people. Not everyone is qualified to give wise counsel. We should look for people who are trustworthy, who live their lives in a way that shows they are wise. Wise counselors often have strong values, good character, and a track record of making thoughtful choices. They are not just people who tell us what we want to hear but speak the truth, even when it’s hard to accept. A wise counselor is someone who loves us enough to give honest advice, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Listening to wise counsel helps us grow. When we learn from others, we are able to avoid some of the mistakes they made or the lessons they had to learn the hard way. This saves us from unnecessary pain and allows us to make decisions that are better for our future. It’s like taking a shortcut through a difficult path because someone else has already walked it and can show us the way.
In addition, wise counsel can give us peace of mind. Sometimes, when we are faced with tough choices, we can feel confused or anxious. But when we talk to people we trust, their advice can bring clarity and calm to our situation. Knowing that we have considered different viewpoints and sought out wisdom can give us confidence that we are making the right decision.
However, even after receiving advice, the responsibility still rests on us to make the final decision. Wise counsel doesn’t replace our own judgment; instead, it enhances it. We must take the advice we receive and weigh it carefully, considering how it fits with our situation, values, and goals.
One challenge is that sometimes, we may hear advice we don’t like. But just because it’s not what we want to hear doesn’t mean it’s not wise. In fact, good advice often challenges us to think differently or reconsider our actions. It may even require us to change our plans. This can be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to growth and better outcomes.
In summary, seeking wise counsel is an important part of living a thoughtful and responsible life. It helps us avoid mistakes, grow in wisdom, and make decisions that are in line with our values. It requires humility, a willingness to listen, and the courage to follow good advice, even when it’s hard. When we seek counsel from people we trust, we are more likely to find peace and success in the choices we make.