In what ways can we apply seeking counsel to our daily challenges today? Scene in Scripture 2 Chronicles 10:6: “Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime, saying, ‘How do you advise me to answer these people?’” Rehoboam’s first impulse was to seek the wisdom of those who had walked with his father. Though he later ignored them, the principle stands: seeking counsel is a God-given safeguard. Timeless Principle of Counsel • Scripture repeatedly links victory and stability to the presence of wise advisers (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). • God invites us to receive wisdom both directly—by asking Him (James 1:5)—and indirectly—through godly people He places around us. Practical Applications Today • Job decisions: Before accepting a promotion or switching careers, invite input from mature believers who know both the Word and your gifting. • Parenting choices: Ask couples whose children demonstrate fruit of the Spirit how they handled discipline, media, and education. • Financial planning: Sit with seasoned managers or Christian financial counselors to build budgets that honor the Lord (Proverbs 27:23-24). • Conflict resolution: When relationships strain, pursue mediation from church elders rather than venting on social media (Matthew 18:15-17). • Major purchases: Get advice on timing, stewardship, and motives—avoiding debt traps (Romans 13:8). • Health decisions: Balance medical counsel with prayer and biblical teaching on the body as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Sources of Godly Counsel • Scripture itself—daily reading keeps our thinking aligned with truth (Psalm 119:105). • Older believers—those tested by time and trials (Titus 2:2-5). • Pastors and elders—charged with shepherding the flock (Hebrews 13:17). • Trusted friends—iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). • Time-tested authors and biographies of faithful saints—examples of wisdom lived out (Hebrews 6:12). Safeguards When Receiving Advice • Confirm it aligns with clear biblical teaching; the Spirit never contradicts the Word. • Look for unity among multiple counselors; isolated advice may be suspect. • Test motives—both yours and theirs—against humility and love (Philippians 2:3-4). • Keep prayer central; counsel supplements, not replaces, direct dependence on God. • Act promptly once clarity comes; delayed obedience can harden the heart (James 4:17). Promises and Warnings from Scripture • Promise: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Warning: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). Choosing the wrong voices can derail destiny, exactly as it did for Rehoboam. Putting It into Practice This Week 1. Identify one decision you’re currently facing. 2. List at least two mature believers you can approach for insight. 3. Schedule a conversation, bringing relevant Scriptures to anchor discussion. 4. Compare the counsel received, pray for confirmation, and step forward in faith. |
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