How can we identify trustworthy "abundance of counselors" in our lives? Foundational Verse Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is deliverance.” Why Discernment Matters • Not every voice that offers advice aligns with God’s Word (Psalm 1:1; 1 John 4:1). • Scripture assumes we will seek counsel, yet commands us to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Lives, families, and ministries flourish or flounder depending on whose counsel we follow (Proverbs 13:20). Five Marks of Trustworthy Counselors 1. Scripture-Saturated – They view the Bible as the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16). – Their advice consistently flows from, and submits to, clear biblical teaching. 2. Spirit-Led Character – Look for visible fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). – They live what they teach; hypocrisy erodes credibility (Matthew 7:16-20). 3. Humble Posture – Genuine counselors admit limits and are quick to say, “Let’s search the Scriptures together” (Acts 17:11). – They do not demand blind allegiance (1 Peter 5:3). 4. Proven Wisdom – Proverbs 24:6: “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” – Examine their track record: Have their past decisions produced righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit? 5. Christ-Exalting Motives – Their goal is God’s glory and your growth, not personal gain (Philippians 2:3-4). – They steer you toward repentance and faith, not mere self-help (Colossians 1:28). Practical Steps to Gather an “Abundance of Counselors” • Build Variety: Include older believers, peers, and specialists (e.g., financial, marital) who meet the five marks. • Stay Accessible: Keep intentional contact—coffee meetings, regular phone calls, small-group settings. • Invite Honest Feedback: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). Give them permission to speak hard truths. • Compare Notes: When multiple mature voices echo the same counsel, pay close attention (2 Corinthians 13:1). • Respond Promptly: “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life” (Proverbs 10:17). Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Echo Chambers: Surrounding yourself only with those who agree with you (Proverbs 18:1-2). • Celebrity Voices: Valuing charisma over character (Proverbs 31:30). • Rushed Decisions: Neglecting prayer and thorough counsel when stakes are high (Proverbs 19:2). Checking Counsel Against Scripture 1. Open the Bible together; read the relevant passages aloud. 2. Ask, “Does this advice align with the whole counsel of God, not just one verse out of context?” 3. Confirm the counsel promotes obedience, holiness, and love (John 14:15; Romans 13:8-10). 4. Pray for wisdom promised in James 1:5, then proceed in faith. Living It Out • Identify three people this week who embody the five marks; schedule time with each. • Bring a current decision to them, and record the biblical principles they highlight. • Act on the counsel that aligns with Scripture, trusting God’s promise that “with an abundance of counselors there is deliverance.” |
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