How can seeking counsel help prevent strife, as suggested in Proverbs 13:10? Verse in Focus Proverbs 13:10: “Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who take advice.” Why Strife Springs Up So Easily • Pride insists on having the last word. • Self-reliance shuts out other viewpoints. • Offended egos collide, and conflict erupts (James 3:16). How God Uses Counsel to Defuse Conflict • Humility check—asking for advice admits, “I don’t know everything.” • Perspective—wise counselors spot blind spots we never see (Proverbs 12:15). • Accountability—godly friends call us back when emotions flare (Galatians 6:1-2). • Peace-building strategy—outside input often provides a solution agreeable to all parties (Proverbs 15:1). Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Principle • Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 24:6: “With guidance you wage your war, and with abundant counselors there is victory.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: Two are better than one for lifting each other up. Practical Ways to Seek Counsel Before Strife Starts 1. Invite feedback early—share your plans or frustrations before they harden into demands. 2. Choose biblically grounded voices—people who fear the Lord and know His Word. 3. Listen actively—repeat back what you hear to be sure you understand. 4. Weigh counsel against Scripture—Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for this. 5. Obey promptly—wisdom blesses only when applied (Matthew 7:24-25). Blessings That Follow Listening to Advice • Calm replaces tension; conversations stay respectful. • Decisions improve, preventing future clashes. • Relationships deepen as trust grows. • God is honored because unity pictures His character (Psalm 133:1). Putting It into Practice This Week • Identify one area of brewing conflict—family, work, church. • Schedule time with a mature believer to discuss it. • Pray together, weigh biblical principles, and outline a peace-oriented response. • Act on the counsel received, watching how quickly strife loses its grip. Key Takeaways Seeking counsel is God’s preventive medicine for strife. Pride isolates; advice invites wisdom. When we humble ourselves to listen, He replaces conflict with peace and guides us into choices that honor Him and bless everyone involved. |
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