Why is seeking godly counsel important for making wise decisions? The Heart of the Verse “ ‘The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.’ ” (Proverbs 12:15) Why Listening Matters • Foolishness is self-reliance divorced from God’s truth • Wisdom is teachability—welcoming correction, insight, and perspective grounded in Scripture • God’s design for decision-making includes the voice of other believers so that pride and blind spots are exposed How Godly Counsel Guards Us • Protects from deception – Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us the heart is “deceitful above all things” • Balances emotion with truth – Proverbs 19:2: “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good” • Confirms direction through multiple witnesses – Proverbs 11:14; 15:22: success comes “with many advisers” • Aligns choices with God’s Word – Psalm 119:105: His Word is the lamp; counselors help us see how it applies Biblical Snapshots • Moses heeds Jethro’s advice (Exodus 18) and avoids burnout • David listens to Abigail (1 Samuel 25) and is kept from bloodshed • The early church resolves conflict through the Jerusalem council (Acts 15) • Paul seeks the apostles in Jerusalem to confirm his message (Galatians 2:1-2) Marks of a Godly Counselor • Anchored in Scripture, not opinion (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Spirit-led and prayerful (James 1:5) • Honest, not flattering (Proverbs 27:6) • Proven character and fruit (Matthew 7:16) • Committed to your growth, not personal gain (Philippians 2:4) Practical Steps to Seek Wise Counsel 1. Pray first—ask the Lord to lead you to the right people 2. Identify mature believers who know God’s Word 3. Share the full situation; partial facts yield partial guidance 4. Listen without defensiveness; take notes 5. Weigh counsel against Scripture; the Bible is the final authority 6. Obey promptly when peace and confirmation align Blessings That Follow • Clearer direction and steady confidence • Protection from costly errors • Deeper fellowship within the body of Christ • A testimony that points others to God’s faithfulness Seeking godly counsel is not a sign of weakness; it is a hallmark of wisdom. God uses His people, saturated with His Word, to steer us toward choices that honor Him and bless our lives. |
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