In the Bible, the concept of giving and receiving advice is a significant theme, reflecting the importance of wisdom, guidance, and counsel in the life of believers. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, as well as the consequences of ignoring it.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of wisdom and counsel. Proverbs, a book dedicated to imparting wisdom, repeatedly highlights the value of good advice. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance." This verse underscores the necessity of seeking multiple perspectives to ensure sound decision-making.

In the account of Jethro advising Moses (Exodus 18:13-24), Jethro observes Moses' overwhelming burden of judging the people and suggests a system of delegation. Moses listens to his father-in-law's advice, which leads to a more efficient and sustainable system of governance. This narrative illustrates the benefits of heeding wise counsel and the positive impact it can have on leadership and community.

The book of Job also presents a discourse on advice, as Job's friends offer their perspectives on his suffering. While their intentions may be sincere, their advice is ultimately flawed, demonstrating that not all counsel is beneficial or rooted in truth.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the role of advice is further explored through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself is referred to as the "Wonderful Counselor" in Isaiah 9:6, indicating His divine wisdom and guidance for His followers.

The apostle Paul frequently offers advice to the early church through his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, he warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Here, Paul advises believers to be mindful of their associations, as they can influence one's moral and spiritual well-being.

James 1:5 encourages believers to seek divine wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in all matters, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of wisdom.

Practical Application

The Bible's teachings on advice emphasize the need for discernment in choosing whom to listen to and the importance of aligning counsel with God's Word. Believers are encouraged to seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in biblical truth. Proverbs 19:20 advises, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days."

Furthermore, the Scriptures caution against pride and self-reliance, which can lead to the rejection of wise counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." This highlights the humility required to accept advice and the wisdom that comes from doing so.

In summary, the Bible presents advice as a vital component of a godly life, urging believers to seek and heed wise counsel while remaining rooted in the truth of God's Word.

Reasons which Led to the Writing of this Second Book.
... Add to this the fact that the apostle, with regard to widows and the unmarried,
advises them to remain permanently in that state, when he says, "But I desire ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter i reasons which led to.htm

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
... days of my life, and I will dwell for ever in the house of the Lord." And this is
that preparation, or looking to our feet, to which Solomon advises us before ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/things to be meditated on.htm

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
... He indeed brings the matter before the council when anything is to be done, and
advises as to what is necessary, but he, at the same time, listens to the others ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 of the primacy.htm

Though in Almost Every Age There have Indeed Been in the Heathen ...
... Plato, [283] after having delivered very noble, and almost divine truths concerning
the nature and attributes of the Supreme God, weakly advises men to worship ...
/.../vi proposition vi though in.htm

Chapter xvi.
... not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not put him away." If, therefore,
he does not give a command as from the Lord, but advises as from himself ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvi.htm

On the Wisdom of this World
... in his writings, cautioning the Colossians to "beware lest any man spoil them through
philosophy and vain deceit;" and in another place he advises Timothy to ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on the wisdom of this.htm

Of the Apostle's Meaning in 1 Cor. vii. 12-14.
... the Lord:" he has added to his law a weight""only." Utter that word with what tone
and manner you may, it is weighty: it both bids and advises; both enjoins ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter ii of the apostles meaning.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... It must be observed that, in the same chapter, he advises that "every man have his
own wife, and every woman have her own husband." And, whatever may be our ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

Of the Marriage of Priests.
... by any vow. Accordingly, Cyprian also advises that women who do not keep
the chastity they have promised should marry. His words ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxiii of the marriage.htm

Of the Distinction of Meats.
... Augustine also forbids that men's consciences should be burdened with such observances,
and prudently advises Januarius that he must know that they are to be ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvi of the distinction.htm

Advises (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Advises (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 17:6 When Hushai was
come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, "Ahithophel has spoken like this. ...
/a/advises.htm - 6k

Advisers (22 Occurrences)

/a/advisers.htm - 13k

Reader (5 Occurrences)
... subjects. 4. (n.) A proof reader. 5. (n.) One who reads manuscripts offered
for publication and advises regarding their merit. 6 ...
/r/reader.htm - 8k

Continency (1 Occurrence)
... Version (British and American), "to contain" the King James Version): Paul, although
he would that all men were like himself unmarried, yet advises that they ...
/c/continency.htm - 8k

Advertise (1 Occurrence)
... ad'-ver-tiz: This word is found twice in the Old Testament: In Numbers 24:14 (from
Hebrew, ya`ats, "to advise") Balsam advises Balak of the future of Israel ...
/a/advertise.htm - 7k

Adviser (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who advises. Multi-Version Concordance
Adviser (3 Occurrences). Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went ...
/a/adviser.htm - 7k

Advisors (1 Occurrence)

/a/advisors.htm - 6k

Titus (15 Occurrences)
... him of the character of the people of Crete, and gives him various instructions
for his guidance; charges him to maintain sound doctrine, and advises him how ...
/t/titus.htm - 29k

Job (60 Occurrences)
... and iniquitous (4:17-19); implies that Job's turbulence of mind precludes him from
similar revelations, and jeopardizes his soul (5:1, 2); advises him to ...
/j/job.htm - 62k

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