Day 64 – 90 Days in Proverbs - Hearing Counselors

Proverbs 11:14 [NKJV] Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. [ESV] 14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. [NLT] 14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

Whether the Bible translators chose to use counsel, guidance or wise leadership, the message is that a nation is best served by a getting input from many wise voices. We know that, in business, it has been proven that crafting a team with mix of genders, ethnic backgrounds, ages, talents and experience who work together toward a common goal is the best way to keep a company healthy and moving forward.

Whether you are buying a car or choosing a career, you’ll make a better decision if you look at all key factors and get a variety of input. The key, though, is actually listening to all the different and wise counselors – not just the ones who say what you want to hear or who agree with your own opinion.

This passage is almost prophetic for the nation of Israel. After Solomon’s death, his son, Jeroboam had the chance to improve his rulership and seal himself as king. The elder counselors gave him the advice to ease up on the people. But Jeroboam refused their counsel in favor of the advice of his young friends who appealed to his machismo. Essentially, he said, “you thought my dad was tough? I’ll show you tough!”

He lost the better part of the nation of Israel over his failure to listen to wise counsel.

I get it – no one likes to hear that they are all wrong, or to receive counsel that goes against what we really want to do. But that is the whole point of seeking a multitude of wise counsel – to hear the things we might not think of on our own. And, using this advice, to make a decision that brings success instead of failure.

The ultimate wise counselor is someone I bet you do love to talk to and to hear from: Jesus. Isaiah 9:6 [NKJV] For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Sweet sisters, good counsel from a variety of wise sources is the way to make smart decisions and true success in both this life and in your Christian walk. We should start with the counsel of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. We should also seek wise counsel from experienced fellow believers and from secular leaders, experts and advisors. who can give experienced input.

I wish you success in all your endeavors today and in the future. The key to that success is not only seeking wise counsel but actually listening to it and making a wise decision based on that counsel.

Prayer — Father God, we seek your counsel, the counsel of Jesus, of Your word and of the Holy Spirit to guide us today. Whether our decisions are large or small, we know we will be benefited from doing so. Help us to be wise counselors to others. And send wise counselors to us when we need help with an important decision. Most of all, we seek the safety and success that comes from following Your wise counsel. Please lead us today and always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Your thoughts —  

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