What are some cautions regarding counsel?

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.