What other biblical examples show the importance of wise counsel in difficult situations? Starting Point: Abigail’s Timely Counsel “Please, my lord, pay no attention to this worthless man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. But I, your maidservant, did not see the men my lord sent.” (1 Samuel 25:25) • Abigail steps between David’s anger and Nabal’s arrogance, steering everyone away from bloodshed. • Her clear-eyed words show how one voice of reason can redirect a volatile moment. • Scripture repeatedly showcases similar moments, underscoring that divine wisdom often travels through human counselors. Jethro to Moses: Delegation That Preserved a Nation • Exodus 18:17-19, 23—“What you are doing is not good… you will surely wear yourselves out… you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their place in peace.” • Jethro sees Moses drowning in responsibility and offers a structure of delegated leadership. • The result: justice served efficiently, Moses strengthened for the long haul, Israel cared for. Nathan to David: Truth That Prevented Ruin • 2 Samuel 12:7—“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” • David’s sin with Bathsheba threatened his legacy; Nathan’s courageous counsel leads him to repentance. • Psalm 51 is born from that confrontation, showing how godly correction restores fellowship with God. Jehoshaphat and Micaiah: Testing Voices Before Battle • 1 Kings 22:7-8, 28—Jehoshaphat insists on hearing from “a prophet of the LORD” instead of 400 flattering advisors. • Micaiah’s lone dissent exposes Ahab’s coming defeat. • Lesson: better one truthful word than a chorus of agreeable error. Mordecai to Esther: Courage That Delivered a People • Esther 4:14—“And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” • Mordecai frames Esther’s royal position as divine assignment, emboldening her to risk everything. • Wise counsel here ignites faith, leading to Israel’s preservation. Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar: Insight That Calmed a Tyrant • Daniel 2:27-28—“No wise man… can declare the mystery… but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” • Daniel’s God-given interpretation spares the lives of Babylon’s wise men and earns favor for God’s people. • Wise counsel often pairs humility (“no wise man…”) with bold confidence in God’s revelation. Barnabas to Saul: Encouragement That Unlocked Destiny • Acts 9:27—“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” • The early church feared Saul; Barnabas’ advocacy integrates him into fellowship, paving the way for a global missionary movement. • Sometimes wise counsel looks like vouching for someone others dismiss. Gamaliel to the Sanhedrin: Restraint That Preserved the Church’s Witness • Acts 5:38-39—“If this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to stop it.” • A respected Pharisee urges caution, and the apostles avoid immediate execution. • Even from unexpected sources, measured counsel can keep rashness in check. Practical Takeaways for Today • Seek counselors who fear God more than they fear you. • Measure advice against Scripture; truth never contradicts God’s Word. • Welcome correction as David did—it may rescue future fruitfulness. • Encourage emerging leaders like Barnabas did; your support could release the next Paul. • When emotions run high, remember Abigail: timely, humble words can defuse disaster. |
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