How can we ensure we seek and follow godly counsel in decision-making? Setting the Scene “But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders who had counseled him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him.” Rehoboam’s first act as king was a textbook case of what not to do. Instead of listening to seasoned, God-fearing elders, he chose peers who told him exactly what he wanted to hear—and the kingdom split in two the very same day. Why Godly Counsel Matters • Scripture treats wise counsel as a non-negotiable. – 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.” • We are limited in perspective, prone to self-deception, and easily swayed by emotion. Godly counselors provide the corrective lens. • Rejecting counsel isn’t neutral; it invites painful consequences (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 1:30-31). Traits of Counsel Worth Following 1. Rooted in Scripture • Counsel is only “godly” when it squares with God’s Word (Isaiah 8:20). 2. Proven character • Look for believers whose lives already demonstrate obedience, humility, and the fruit of the Spirit (Matthew 7:17). 3. Experience and wisdom • Elders and leaders who have navigated life faithfully bring perspective peers often lack (Hebrews 13:7). 4. Courage to tell the hard truth • A real friend wounds in order to heal (Proverbs 27:6). Practical Steps to Seek Godly Counsel • Pray first. James 1:5 reminds us that wisdom begins with asking God. Prayer also softens our hearts to receive advice. • Identify a circle of trusted believers: – Mature pastor or elder – Seasoned parent or grandparent in the faith – Spirit-filled peer who loves Scripture more than popularity • Share the full picture. Half-truths yield half-baked guidance. • Listen actively—take notes, repeat back what you hear, and ask for clarifying Scriptures. • Weigh every counsel against the Bible. Acts 17:11 sets the Berean standard: examine the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so. Following Through: Turning Counsel into Action 1. Confirm alignment with God’s revealed will. If advice contradicts Scripture, dismiss it—no matter who said it. 2. Look for unity among multiple godly voices (2 Corinthians 13:1). Consistent confirmation often signals the Spirit’s direction. 3. Move forward in faith. Once counsel and conviction line up, lingering hesitation usually masks unbelief rather than prudence. 4. Remain teachable. Even after acting, invite feedback and correction (Proverbs 19:20). Guardrails to Keep Us on Track • Beware of echo chambers that only reinforce personal preferences (2 Timothy 4:3). • Resist the urge to shop for advice until someone rubber-stamps what we already want. • Remember that godly counsel may cost time, money, pride, or convenience—but never peace with God (Colossians 3:15). A Better Ending Than Rehoboam’s Unlike the divided kingdom, unity and blessing flow when leaders—and everyday believers—listen to wise voices rooted in the Word. Seeking, testing, and obeying godly counsel allows God’s perfect plans to unfold without the collateral damage of self-directed choices. |
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