Wise Counsel – Part 4

These verses reveal three important principles:[1] Wisdom produces strength – True strength begins with godly wisdom rather than physical ability. [2] Knowledge increases strength – Learning and growing in truth make a person increasingly effective throughout life. [3] Wise counsel protects strength – Seeking godly advice prevents unnecessary failure and greatly increases the likelihood of success.

Together they teach that lasting success is not achieved through natural ability alone but through continual growth in wisdom, knowledge, humility, and dependence upon God.

These verses remind believers that God’s definition of strength differs greatly from the world’s. The world admires physical power, wealth, and influence, but God values wisdom, teachability, and humble dependence upon Him.

A wise believer grows stronger, not because circumstances become easier, but because God’s truth equips him to meet life’s challenges with discernment and courage. He does not rely solely upon his own understanding but seeks God’s direction and gladly receives counsel from mature, godly people.

Ultimately, the strongest person is not the one who stands alone, but the one who walks in the wisdom of God. As Isaiah declared: “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31).

True strength is found in knowing God, applying His wisdom, and depending upon Him in every battle of life.

Wise Counsel – Part 3

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

‘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

‘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…