How can Proverbs 15:22 guide church leaders in making important decisions? The Verse in Focus “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) A Foundational Principle: Seek Multiple Counselors - God designed decision-making to thrive in community, not isolation (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6). - Collective wisdom guards leaders from blind spots and confirms direction. Why Church Leaders Need Counsel - Humility: Consulting others acknowledges Christ as the true Head (Colossians 1:18). - Protection: Shared insight helps avoid doctrinal error and ethical compromise. - Completeness: Different gifts (1 Corinthians 12) supply what one leader lacks. - Accountability: Transparency before godly advisers deters selfish motives. Practical Steps for Applying Proverbs 15:22 - Form a standing advisory team of elders, deacons, and mature members. - Invite subject-matter experts—legal, financial, pastoral care—when decisions touch their fields. - Schedule prayer-saturated strategy meetings; open Scripture together before debating options. - Require unanimity or strong consensus on weighty issues (Acts 15:6–22 shows a biblical precedent). - Document advice received and how it shaped the final action; this cultivates stewardship and trust. Guidelines for Choosing Advisers - Sound doctrine: “Holding firmly to the trustworthy message as taught” (Titus 1:9). - Proven character: blameless reputation, Spirit-filled lives (Acts 6:3). - Wisdom and discernment: evidenced by past decisions that honored God. - Confidentiality: able to guard sensitive information. - Diversity of perspective: age, ministry experience, cultural background, yet unified in faith. Balancing Counsel with Ultimate Dependence on God - Seek counsel, then submit all conclusions to the Lord’s final authority (Proverbs 3:5–6). - Ask for divine wisdom—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). - Maintain prayer as the atmosphere of every discussion; human advice never replaces the Spirit’s leading (John 16:13). Fruit of Obedience to Proverbs 15:22 - Decisions that stand the test of time and trial. - Congregational confidence, knowing leaders have listened well. - Preservation of unity: fewer surprises, less division. - God’s glory showcased as plans “succeed” through His ordained means of collective counsel. |
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