Receiving Wise Counsel

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” (Proverbs 1:5).
The godly man who desires to be a success in the eyes of the Lord will hear the Word and do what it says. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4). On the contrary, ungodly men will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth.” (II Timothy 3:7). A godly man will first receive counsel from the Lord before he seeks counsel from man. “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalms 33:11). Only after he has sought the counsel of the Lord will he then proceed to procure counsel from godly men.
“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14). The biggest reason men have difficulty soliciting counsel from other men is pride. We are stubborn and intent upon going our own way. We lean on our own understanding and attempt to do things in our own power. Nevertheless, we must learn to lay aside our pride and submit to the instruction and discipline of God. We must also submit ourselves to elder men of the faith, (I Peter 5:5) and we give the body of believers’ permission to hold us accountable. (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21). Our Christian walk is not a one-man show. If we are to be successful in the life of faith, we must lean on God and our brothers and sisters in Christ.