Importance of Seeking Wise Counsel in Christian Decision-Making
The importance of seeking wise counsel in Christian decision-making is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize the value of guidance and wisdom in navigating life's challenges. Proverbs 1:5 encourages the wise to listen and gain instruction, while Proverbs 19:20 advises listeners to "listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end" [1, 3]. This wisdom literature underscores the significance of seeking counsel from those who are wise and experienced.
In the biblical narrative, seeking counsel is often associated with making informed decisions, particularly in critical situations. For instance, the Danites ask the priest Phinehas to inquire of God on their behalf before embarking on a journey, demonstrating the practice of seeking divine guidance through a spiritual leader (Judges 18:5) [4]. The concept of counsel is also personified in Proverbs 8:14, where Wisdom declares, "I have counsel and wisdom: I am understanding, and I have strength" [2].
The biblical understanding of counsel is not limited to human advice; it also encompasses divine guidance. According to John Gill, Christ is considered the ultimate Counsellor, being "the all-wise God, the Ancient of days, and the Father of his people" [5]. This Christological perspective on counsel highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God in decision-making.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin, emphasizes the importance of wisdom in Christian living. Calvin defines Christian wisdom as knowing "what is advantageous or expedient" and notes that believers should not engage in "empty subtleties and speculations" [9]. This perspective underscores the practical application of seeking wise counsel in daily life.
In the Puritan tradition, Matthew Henry's commentary on Colossians 1:9 highlights the apostle Paul's prayer for the Colossian believers to be "filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" [7]. This prayer demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom in Christian decision-making.
The biblical concept of counsel is also closely tied to the idea of humility and openness to instruction. Proverbs 12:15 notes that "he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise," indicating that a willingness to listen to advice is a hallmark of wisdom [6]. Conversely, the fool is characterized by self-reliance and a refusal to seek counsel.
In Christian decision-making, seeking wise counsel involves considering the counsel of others, particularly those with spiritual maturity and experience. John Gill's commentary on Proverbs 20:18 emphasizes that "every purpose is established by counsel," highlighting the importance of seeking advice in forming and executing plans [8]. This approach acknowledges that Christian decision-making is not a solitary activity, but rather a communal process that involves seeking guidance from others.
The biblical emphasis on seeking wise counsel is not limited to personal decision-making; it also applies to communal and ecclesiastical contexts. The practice of seeking counsel is essential in navigating complex moral and theological issues, and it is a key aspect of Christian leadership.
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:5 (BSB) — let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:14 (Geneva1599) — I haue counsell and wisedome: I am vnderstanding, and I haue strength.”
- Proverbs “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. -- Proverbs 19:20”
- Judges “Judges 18:5 (Geneva1599) — Againe they said vnto him, Aske counsell nowe of God, that we may knowe whether the way which we goe, shalbe prosperous.”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 3:16: I counsel thee,.... Christ is a Counsellor, and is every way fit to be one, for he is the all wise God, the Ancient of days, and the Father of his people, and, as Mediator, the Wisdom of God; and he was concerned in the council of peace from everlasting; and when he was here on earth he gave counsel in person, and now he gives it by his Spirit, and by his word and ministers; and the substance of it is, to come to him for grace, life, and salvation; for pardon, peace, and righteousness; for spiritual light and knowledge, and every supply of grace; and his advice is”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 12:15: The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,.... Whether it be the way of open profaneness, or self-righteousness, it appears to him to be the right way; it seems to him a very plain one, and he finds it pleasant; and, trusting to carnal sense, corrupt reason, and a false judgment, and having a high opinion of himself and his own knowledge, never asks after the right way, nor takes the advice of others; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise; that asks advice and takes it of such who are men of age and experience, men of longer standing, and are wiser than hi”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 1:9: The apostle proceeds in these verses to pray for them. He heard that they were good, and he prayed that they might be better. He was constant in this prayer: We do not cease to pray for you. It may be he could hear of them but seldom, but he constantly prayed for them. - And desire that you may be filled with the knowledge, etc. Observe what it is that he begs of God for them, I. That they might be knowing intelligent Christians: filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Observe, 1. The knowledge of our duty is the best k”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 20:18: Every purpose is established by counsel,.... Or "the thought" (f) of a man, everyone of them, what he has thought to do, formed a scheme of in his mind, and resolved upon, by taking advice of his friends, and especially by asking counsel of God, who gives, wisdom liberally, and upbraids not; he is confirmed in his good designs; and he cheerfully pursues them, and they are ordered and directed to the glory of God, his own good and the good of others; for this can only be understood of wise and good thoughts and purposes; and with good advice make war; this should ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 5.6: ye may approve the things that are Here we have a definition of Christian wisdom — to know what is advantageous or expedient — not to torture the mind with empty subtleties and speculations. For the Lord does not wish that his believing people should employ themselves fruitlessly in learning what is of no profit: From this you may gather in what estimation the Sorbonnic theology ought to be held, in which you may spend your whole life, and yet not derive more of edification from it in connection with the hope of a h”