Divine counsel refers to the guidance and wisdom provided by God to His people, often through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and godly advisors. The Bible emphasizes the necessity of seeking and adhering to divine counsel to live a life that aligns with God's will and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures consistently highlight the value of divine counsel. In Proverbs 3:5-6 , it is written, "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." This passage underscores the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.

The Psalms also speak to the significance of divine guidance. Psalm 32:8 states, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you." Here, God promises His people that He will provide instruction and oversight, ensuring they walk in the right path.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting divine counsel. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus says, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Holy Spirit, therefore, acts as a counselor, revealing God's truth and direction to believers.

Godly Advisors

In addition to direct guidance from God, the Bible acknowledges the importance of seeking counsel from wise and godly individuals. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance." This verse highlights the collective wisdom found in a multitude of counselors, emphasizing that godly advice can lead to safety and success.

The example of Jethro advising Moses in Exodus 18:17-24 illustrates the value of wise counsel. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, observed Moses' leadership challenges and offered practical advice, which Moses implemented to great effect. This narrative demonstrates how God can use others to provide necessary guidance.

Consequences of Ignoring Divine Counsel

The Bible also warns of the dangers of neglecting divine counsel. In Proverbs 1:24-26 , wisdom personified declares, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you." Ignoring God's guidance can lead to dire consequences, including calamity and distress.

The account of King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:1-19 serves as a cautionary tale. Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of the elders and instead followed the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom. This account illustrates the potential fallout from disregarding sound, divine-inspired advice.

Conclusion

The importance of divine counsel is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It is essential for believers to seek God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of godly individuals. By doing so, they align themselves with God's will, avoid pitfalls, and experience the blessings of walking in His ways.