Be Careful of Counsel

AS you make decisions and strategize plans, you’ll do well to gain counsel from wise, trusted confidants. In fact, Proverbs says that utilizing input from many counselors offers safety (Proverbs 11:14). Their variety of opinions tends to ensure success (Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; 24:6).

The people of Isaiah’s day could have benefited by heeding wise counsel, but they had a hard time distinguishing good counsel from bad. So Isaiah contrasted the two. Reliable counsel . . .

• listens carefully to God (Isaiah 8:11);
• is not quick to identify “conspiracies” (Isaiah 8:12);
• avoids acting solely out of fear (Isaiah 8:12); and
• praises and respects the Lord (Isaiah 8:13).

Unreliable counsel . . .

• ignores God’s Law and testimony (Isaiah 8:19-20);
• allows anger to distort things (Isaiah 8:21); and,
• leads to trouble and anguish (Isaiah 8:22).

Can you identify the sources of good and bad counsel in your life? Would anyone be able to mention you as a source of wise counsel and advice?

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.