Category: Inspiration

Wise Counsel – Part 3

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

Godly counsellors are people who fear the Lord, know and apply Scripture, speak truth rather than merely what others want to hear, possess experience and good judgment, desire God’s glory rather than personal gain, encourage righteousness, and are trustworthy and discreet.

Not every opinion deserves equal weight. The quality of counsellors matters far more than the quantity.

Before making significant decisions, wise believers must seek God’s guidance through prayer; direction from His Word; advice from spiritually mature believers; counsel from those with relevant experience; and time to think carefully rather than acting impulsively.

Major decisions made without wise counsel often lead to avoidable mistakes.

To be continued…

Wise Counsel – Part 2

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

‘In multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ One of the marks of wisdom is humility. Wise people recognise that they do not possess all the answers. Instead of relying solely upon their own opinions, they seek advice from trustworthy, experienced, and godly counsellors.

The phrase “multitude of counsellors” does not mean gathering the greatest number of opinions possible. Rather, it means seeking counsel from several wise, trustworthy, and spiritually mature people who can provide different perspectives.

A single adviser may overlook something important. Several wise counsellors help identify hidden dangers, better solutions, unintended consequences, and wiser alternatives.

This principle appears repeatedly in Proverbs. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (11:14).

Seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.

To be continued…

Wise Counsel – Part 1

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

‘By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war.’ The phrase does not encourage unnecessary conflict. Instead, it teaches that whenever difficult situations arise, careful planning should precede action.

Wise counsel involves gathering accurate information, considering possible consequences, seeking God’s direction, evaluating available options, and acting thoughtfully rather than emotionally.

Many failures occur because people act first and think later. The wise person plans carefully before taking action. Jesus illustrated this same principle when He spoke of a king considering whether he could successfully wage war before entering the battle (Luke 14:31-32).

To be continued…

Knowledge – Part 2

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

Knowledge strengthens a person by helping him understand God’s Word more deeply. Recognise truth from error. Develop practical skills. Learn from experience. Avoid repeating mistakes. Make wise financial decisions. Build healthy relationships. Lead with discernment. Face trials with confidence.

Every lesson learned through God’s wisdom becomes another source of strength.

Scripture now explains why wisdom produces strength. Strength alone does not guarantee victory. Even the strongest army can fail through poor planning. Victory belongs to those who combine courage with wisdom. The language of warfare serves as an illustration for every major decision in life.

Whether facing spiritual battles, family difficulties, business decisions, financial challenges, leadership responsibilities, or personal trials, success depends upon wise planning rather than impulsive action.

To be continued…

Knowledge – Part 1

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

History repeatedly demonstrates that wisdom often accomplishes what physical strength alone cannot.

A wise person may design better solutions, avoid unnecessary conflict, accomplish more with fewer resources, and overcome stronger opponents through careful planning.

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of wisdom triumphing over brute force. Joseph wisely preserved Egypt during a severe famine (Genesis 41). David defeated Goliath not through superior strength but through faith and wise action (1Samuel 17). Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls through wise leadership despite fierce opposition. Jesus Christ overcame satan’s temptations by the wisdom and truth of God’s Word rather than by displays of physical power.

Wisdom multiplies effectiveness because it teaches us to work intelligently rather than merely labour harder.

‘Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.’ Knowledge strengthens wisdom. Knowledge is the understanding of truth, while wisdom is the ability to apply that truth correctly. As a person’s knowledge grows, so does his ability to make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, develop useful skills, lead others wisely, and overcome increasingly difficult challenges.

This strength is not static. It increases. The wise person continually learns, grows, and becomes more effective throughout life. The fool believes he already knows enough. The wise person remains teachable.

To be continued…

Strength – Part 2

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Proverbs 24:5-6 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

The Hebrew idea of strength includes power, courage, ability, and influence. True strength is demonstrated not merely by what a person can lift or conquer physically, but by how he governs himself and responds to life’s circumstances.

A wise person is strong because he possesses: Strength of character – He chooses what is right even when it is difficult. Strength of self-control – He rules his own spirit instead of being ruled by his emotions or desires. Strength of faith – He trusts God when circumstances seem impossible. Strength of perseverance – He does not easily give up when trials come. Strength of discernment – He recognises danger before others do.

Scripture says: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (16:32).

The greatest victories are often won within the heart before they are seen outwardly.

To be continued…

Wisdom and Understanding – Part 4

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Proverbs 24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 

‘And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.’ After wisdom lays the foundation and understanding establishes the house, Scripture adds a third essential quality: knowledge.

Once the foundation has been laid through wisdom and the house established through understanding, Scripture adds a third essential quality: knowledge.

Knowledge refers to learning and applying God’s truth. It is not merely possessing information but growing in an accurate knowledge of God, His Word, and His principles for life.

The “chambers” represent the inner rooms of the house – the places where life is lived most intimately. Therefore, as knowledge is applied, every part of the household is enriched.

Scripture pictures a home whose rooms are filled with valuable treasures. These treasures certainly include God’s provision for material needs, but the emphasis extends far beyond financial wealth. The richest homes are not necessarily those with the most expensive possessions but those filled with spiritual and relational riches.

Among the treasures that wisdom produces are: Love that strengthens relationships. Peace that calms conflict. Joy that endures through trials. Trust between family members. Faithfulness in marriage. Respect between parents and children. Integrity that earns a good reputation. Contentment instead of constant dissatisfaction. Wisdom for life’s decisions. God’s blessing upon the home. These riches cannot be purchased with money.

Many expensive houses are empty of peace, while modest homes filled with God’s presence possess immeasurable wealth.

Wisdom and Understanding – Part 3

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Proverbs 24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 

Godly wisdom helps build a marriage founded on love and faithfulness. Parents who instruct and discipline with grace. Children who learn respect and responsibility. Financial stewardship instead of wastefulness. Peace instead of continual conflict. A home where God is honoured. Such a home is not perfect, but it is stable because its foundation is God’s wisdom.

‘And by understanding it is established.’ If wisdom lays the foundation, understanding strengthens and stabilises the structure. Understanding is the ability to perceive situations correctly and respond appropriately.

It includes discernment, compassion, patience, good judgment, and the willingness to listen before speaking.

A family becomes established when its members seek to understand one another rather than merely insisting upon their own way.

Understanding helps us resolve conflicts peacefully, communicate honestly, recognise others’ needs, forgive offences, and make decisions that benefit the whole family.

Without understanding, even a well-built house may become divided by misunderstanding, pride, or selfishness.

To be continued…

Wisdom and Understanding – Part 2

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Proverbs 24:3-4 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 

‘Through wisdom is an house builded.’ Wisdom is the ability to apply God’s truth correctly in everyday life. Many people possess knowledge, but wisdom knows how and when to use that knowledge.

A house built through wisdom is characterised by love rather than selfishness, integrity rather than deception, patience rather than anger, forgiveness rather than bitterness, generosity rather than greed, and faith rather than fear.

Every decision either strengthens or weakens a home. Wise choices gradually build a secure family, while foolish choices slowly undermine it.

Jesus taught the same principle in His parable of the two builders. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them… I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matt. 7:24).

The strength of a house depends not upon its appearance but upon its foundation. Likewise, a family built upon obedience to God’s Word can withstand life’s storms.

To be continued…

Their Heart Studies Destruction – Part 2

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Proverbs 24:1-2 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

These two verses reveal a progression that is often seen throughout Scripture: Envy – Admiring the apparent success of the wicked. Association – Desiring their companionship. Influence – Adopting their thinking and values. Participation – Joining in their sinful behaviour. Destruction – Sharing in the consequences of their choices.

Scripture stops the progression at the very beginning by warning against envy and unhealthy companionship.

Proverbs 24:1-2 teaches that believers must guard both their admiration and their associations. It is dangerous not only to imitate the wicked but even to envy them, because envy often leads to imitation.

The wicked may appear successful for a season, but their hearts are devoted to destruction, and their words reveal their true nature. Their prosperity is temporary, while the consequences of their choices are lasting.

The wise person therefore chooses different companions, different values, and a different path. Instead of envying those who prosper through evil, he delights in walking with God, trusting that righteousness, though sometimes slower to reward, leads to lasting peace, honour, and eternal blessing.