Question 1

How does God counsel me?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 9:6A child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Isaiah 11:2The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.God gave his Son as your counselor; both Jesus’ life and words counsel you.John 14:26“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”John 15:26“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.”John 16:13“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard.”God gave the Holy Spirit, who is called “the Advocate” or Counselor. He will stay with you at all times to give you wisdom and guide you toward understanding what is really true.Psalm 119:24Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.God gave his Word, which is full of counsel for daily living as well as life-changing decisions.Psalm 16:7I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.God gave you your conscience to counsel you.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of God’s counsel?

Accepted Answer

Job 12:13“But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.”Proverbs 8:14“Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine.”James 3:15-17Jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. . . . But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.God’s counsel is true wisdom, understanding, and insight. It is peaceable and honest and leads to success and goodness.Psalm 32:8The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”God’s counsel leads to the best way to live.Psalm 73:24You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.God’s counsel is ongoing and eternal.Psalm 33:11The Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.Isaiah 14:24, 27The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: “It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided. . . . The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has spoken—who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?”Isaiah 46:10Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.God’s counsel is sure. You can always count on it to be good and wise and right.

Question 3

How can I know that God will give me counsel?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 7:7-11“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”James 1:5-8If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.God’s Word consistently invites you to ask for the wisdom and direction you need. With all the people and circumstances that depend on you, it is imperative that you continually seek God’s counsel.

Question 4

Why is it important to seek godly counsel?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 12:15Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.The wise counsel of others can help you navigate the complexity of life. Fools think they already know everything, and give no thought to godliness. It is important to seek the right kind of counsel.Proverbs 11:14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.Proverbs 13:10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.Proverbs 20:18Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.Leaders continually face complex problems that involve a many variables and options. They are accountable on a higher level because their decisions affect others to a larger degree than most personal decisions do. Counsel and expertise are essential as they consider needs and risks in their planning.Matthew 18:6“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”James 3:1Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.Leaders are held to high standards. God wants leaders to understand their responsibility to those they lead and the judgment that awaits should they lead people astray. Leaders need to constantly be seeking wise counsel from others lest they become proud and stray from the truth.

Question 5

What are the criteria for effective counsel?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 3:19As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.Psalm 37:30-31The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.Proverbs 10:20The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.Proverbs 12:5-6The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.Proverbs 27:9The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.Isaiah 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.1 Corinthians 12:8To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.To obtain good counsel, you want to find godly counselors—this can refer to licensed people, or it can refer to godly friends who will be honest with you. In either case, these people should each have a personal relationship with the Lord. They should use God’s Word as a basis for their counsel. The Lord can speak wisdom to you through them.Acts 6:2-7So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. So God’s message continued to spread.The early church was not immune from problems. In fact, it wasn’t long before disagreements rose up and folks were complaining. The church leaders got together, and the Twelve offered good counsel to solve the dilemma. The process included acknowledging the problem, listening to the facts, and providing a solution.Numbers 13:30Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”Godly counsel should encourage people to act in accordance with God’s Word—it should never make excuses for sin. Caleb knew that God had given the people the Promised Land, so his counsel was to be brave and begin the task of conquering it. Unfortunately, his counsel was ignored, and the people paid a forty-year price for their lack of faith.Proverbs 6:20-23My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.Godly counsel should be applicable and practical.Proverbs 15:23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!Proverbs 25:11Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.Godly counsel is timely.

Question 6

How can I give good counsel to others?

Accepted Answer

2 Corinthians 1:4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.You can give good counsel to others by comforting them from your own experience of how God has comforted you in the past.Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.Be gentle and humble when you are called upon to counsel another. Giving counsel can be difficult because sometimes it involves saying things that will be difficult for others to hear. You must speak the truth without harshness or shaming, as these are unhealthy and rarely effective.Romans 15:14I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.2 Timothy 2:24-25A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.Since the principles of right and godly living are found in the Bible, you give the best counsel when you use the Bible as a significant part of your advice.1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.You give good counsel when you address the need of the person; different types of people with different issues need to be dealt with differently. Patiently encourage about the positive steps they can take more than the dwelling on the negative things they’ve done. Encourage those who need it; speak tenderly to others; always be patient.1 Timothy 5:20Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.Titus 2:15You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.Hebrews 3:13You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.Sometimes giving godly counsel means speaking difficult but truthful words. Warn those who are in sin of the consequences of their actions. Encourage them toward repentance, to turn toward God and his forgiveness.Romans 14:19So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.Romans 15:2We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.1 Corinthians 8:1Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.1 Corinthians 10:23-24You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.1 Corinthians 14:26Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.To give good counsel to others, aim at encouraging, building them up, and fostering harmony in the church.

Question 7

How should I respond to wise counsel?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 1:7Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.Proverbs 9:9Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.Proverbs 13:10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.You should listen to wise counsel and act on it. Not doing so is an indication of stubbornness and pride.Psalm 141:3-5Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds.Proverbs 29:1Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.You should appreciate the healing aspect of wise counsel. Stubborn refusal will leave you wounded.Proverbs 19:20Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.Remember wise counsel that you have received in the past and let it continue to guide you throughout your life.

Question 8

What are some cautions regarding counsel?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 12:8Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.2 Chronicles 22:4He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done. They even became his advisers after the death of his father, and they led him to ruin.Friends and family may often be the best counselors, but sometimes they are not. Be discerning. Simply because someone is a friend or family member does not make him or her a good counselor. Always seek God in prayer to help you discern the advice you should follow.Proverbs 12:5The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.Isaiah 19:11What fools are the officials of Zoan! Their best counsel to the king of Egypt is stupid and wrong. Will they still boast to Pharaoh of their wisdom? Will they dare brag about all their wise ancestors?Ezekiel 11:2-4The Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We are safe inside it like meat in a pot.’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.”Unwise advisors are dangerous. You might hear what you want to hear, but sweet words sometimes bring bitter counsel that can lead you astray.2 John 1:9-10Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement.Counsel should always be consistent with God’s Word. The Bible is the litmus test. If teaching is biblical, trust it. If it is inconsistent with the Scriptures, turn away from it.Proverbs 1:25-33“You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”Godly counsel and wisdom are not to be ignored. To ignore them is, in essence, to ignore God.Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.If you give counsel to someone to help them get back onto the right path, you must be cautious to remain strong, realizing that you are not beyond problems and temptations yourself. Such humility will help you counsel others and will, in turn, help you should you need counsel.

Counsel/Counselors