How can we apply the concept of seeking wise counsel in our daily lives? The Biblical Snapshot: Joab and the Wise Woman • 2 Samuel 14:2: “So Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there. He said to her, ‘Please pretend to be a mourner; wear mourning clothes and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has spent many days grieving for the dead.’” • Joab recognized that the situation with Absalom called for discernment beyond his own understanding. He deliberately sought out someone identified as “wise” to speak into the king’s predicament. • Scripture presents this moment as a positive move, highlighting the virtue of intentional, godly counsel. Why Wise Counsel Matters • God designed us for community—no believer is meant to make weighty decisions in isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with an abundance of counselors there is victory.” • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Psalm 1:1 shows the contrast: blessing flows when we avoid the counsel of the wicked and instead delight in God’s law. What Kind of Counsel Qualifies as “Wise”? • Rooted in Scripture—2 Timothy 3:16: all Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work. • Evidences the character of James 3:17 wisdom: “pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” • Proven track record—look for believers who consistently walk in obedience (Hebrews 13:7). • Spirit-led rather than opinion-driven (Galatians 5:25). Practical Ways to Seek Wise Counsel Each Day • Start with prayerful humility—ask the Lord to open your heart to correction (Psalm 139:23-24). • Identify mature believers you regularly see: – A seasoned couple in your church (Titus 2). – A small-group leader or elder who knows Scripture well. – A peer who demonstrates steady faithfulness. • Bring specific facts, not just feelings. Clear information helps your counselor apply biblical principles accurately. • Listen actively—take notes, repeat key points, and verify them with Scripture afterward (Acts 17:11). • Weigh counsel alongside personal Bible study; the final standard is always God’s Word, not human opinion. • Follow through. Counsel unheeded is counsel wasted (James 1:22). Guardrails Against Unwise Voices • Beware crowd-sourced advice on social media; popularity does not equal godliness. • Refuse counsel that contradicts clear biblical commands (Isaiah 8:20). • Resist echo chambers—seek input from those who may lovingly challenge you (Proverbs 27:6). • Remember Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:8): he rejected the elders’ counsel, chose peers who flattered him, and split a kingdom. Walking It Out This Week • Pinpoint one decision you’re facing—big or small. • List two or three believers who meet the “wise” criteria and schedule time to talk. • Compare their input with Scripture and prayerfully draft an action step. • Circle back to them later with an update; accountability completes the wisdom loop (Proverbs 27:17). |