How should we respond when human counsel fails, as seen in Job 32:15? The Moment Counsel Crumbles “Job 32:15: ‘They are dismayed and have no more answer; words have escaped them.’” Job’s friends reach the end of their arguments. Their human wisdom, once so confident, now stands silent. What do we do when counsel around us likewise fails? Why Human Advice Runs Dry • Finite understanding: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts…” Isaiah 55:8–9 • Sin’s distortion: “The heart is deceitful above all things” Jeremiah 17:9 • Pride and presumption: “Do not be wise in your own eyes” Proverbs 3:7 • Spiritual blindness: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” 1 Corinthians 2:14 Turning to the Counselor Who Never Fails • God’s Word endures: “Forever, O LORD, Your word stands firm in the heavens” Psalm 119:89 • Christ’s sufficiency: “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom” Colossians 2:3 • The Spirit’s guidance: “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” John 16:13 • Prayerful dependence: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” James 1:5 A Practical Response Plan 1. Pause and assess • Acknowledge that good friends can still miss the mark (Job 42:7). • Lay aside hurt feelings; seek what God is teaching. 2. Return to Scripture first • Read slowly, listening for God’s voice (Psalm 119:24). • Write down promises and commands related to the situation. 3. Invite the Spirit’s illumination • Ask Him to “open my eyes to see wonderful things in Your law” Psalm 119:18. 4. Seek godly counsel second • Choose counselors who themselves submit to Scripture (Proverbs 11:14). • Test every word against the Bible (Acts 17:11). 5. Wait before acting hastily • “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him” Psalm 37:7. • Trust that delayed answers can refine faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). 6. Walk in the light you already have • Obey clear biblical directives while waiting for specific guidance (John 14:21). • Leave results with God (Proverbs 16:3). Encouragement for the Journey • God’s counsel is personal: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” Psalm 32:8. • His wisdom outshines ours: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” 1 Corinthians 1:25. • He redeems failed advice: even wrong words pushed Job to seek God Himself (Job 42:5). • Standing on Scripture gives stability when every other voice falls silent (Matthew 7:24–25). |
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