Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature God's counsel refers to the divine wisdom, guidance, and plans that God provides to humanity. It encompasses His eternal purposes and the guidance He offers to individuals and nations. God's counsel is perfect, unchanging, and sovereign, reflecting His omniscience and omnipotence.
Biblical Foundation The concept of God's counsel is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as both a source of wisdom and a manifestation of His divine will. In
Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse highlights the certainty and unchangeability of God's counsel.
Attributes of God's Counsel 1.
Eternal and Unchanging: God's counsel is not subject to change or revision.
Psalm 33:11 states, "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations." This eternal nature assures believers of the reliability and steadfastness of God's plans.
2.
Sovereign and Supreme: God's counsel is supreme over all human plans and intentions.
Proverbs 19:21 affirms, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This underscores the sovereignty of God's counsel over human affairs.
3.
Wise and Perfect: God's counsel is characterized by divine wisdom and perfection.
Romans 11:33 exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" This wisdom is beyond human comprehension and is always directed towards the ultimate good.
Role in Human Life God's counsel plays a crucial role in guiding believers in their daily lives. It is through His counsel that individuals find direction, purpose, and understanding.
Psalm 73:24 expresses this guidance: "You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory." Believers are encouraged to seek God's counsel through prayer, Scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Contrast with Human Counsel The Bible often contrasts God's counsel with human wisdom, which is limited and fallible. In
1 Corinthians 3:19, Paul writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight." This contrast serves as a reminder of the superiority of divine counsel over human understanding.
Examples in Scripture 1.
David: King David frequently sought God's counsel, as seen in
1 Samuel 23:2, where he inquired of the Lord before taking action. His reliance on divine guidance exemplifies the importance of seeking God's counsel in decision-making.
2.
Solomon: Known for his wisdom, Solomon recognized the value of divine counsel. In
Proverbs 3:5-6, he advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
3.
The Early Church: The apostles and early Christians sought God's counsel through prayer and the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated in
Acts 13:2, where the Holy Spirit directed the church in Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work.
Implications for Believers Believers are called to trust in God's counsel, acknowledging its supremacy and seeking it earnestly. This involves a commitment to prayer, meditation on Scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit's leading. By aligning with God's counsel, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence and assurance in His perfect plan.