Safety in Wise Counsel

"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14, ESV).

The wise surround themselves with other wise people.  They find individuals who demonstrate wisdom, and then they continually ask them for perspective.  Wisdom can be defined as the ability to live life in manner pleasing to God.  It is the art of walking in faithful obedience.  This verse reminds us that failure to obtain guidance results in hardship.

It is not merely enough to surround ourselves with wise people.  Proximity to the wise does not guarantee that their wisdom will rub off on us.  In fact, just being close to the wise does nothing to bring up our wisdom quotient.  We need to get inside their heads, and try to see the world the way the see it.  We need to imitate their lives.  Remember, if they are truly wise, they are living in a way that pleases God.

Solomon is not suggesting that we anchor ourselves to one sage, and drown out all other voice.  No, there is more safety in numbers.  Multiple counselors offer us the greatest opportunity to widen our perspective, to gather fresh insight, and to find multiple avenues of exploration.  Even when our counselors offer differing opinions, we are served by the knowledge that at least two possibilities exist.  As we grow in wisdom, differing opinions can sharpen our thinking.

So I encourage you to find godly counselors who exhibit Spirit-filled wisdom.  Look for men and women who walk in obedience to the Lord and who are satisfied in him.  When you find them begin observing their lives.  What are they reading?  How do they spend their free time?  How do they interact with others? Notice the role Scripture plays in their lives.  Ask them probing questions.  Bounce your ideas off of them and get their perspective.  Look for multiple counselors, but remember that although you may take advice from many, not all will be equally close to you.  It is good to remember one more thing: if the wise give you sound advice, its foolish to ignore it.