We’ve all been there. A major decision needs to be made and we talk about it with 50 hundred people. Exaggeration, I know, but you get the point. We should always spend time in prayer, but the Bible is clear we should have wise counsel as well. How do we know if those around us are “wise” and should be a part of “the counsel”?

According to Solomon, who is credited with writing the book of Proverbs, wise counsel refers to advice, guidance, or instruction that is rooted in wisdom and understanding. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon emphasizes the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel to make sound decisions and live a prudent life. Did I also mention Proverbs is one of my favorite books in the Bible? It is.

Here are a few key aspects of wise counsel according to Solomon:

1. Wisdom and Understanding: Wise counsel comes from those who possess wisdom and understanding. Solomon often contrasts the wise with the foolish, highlighting the value of wisdom in guiding one’s actions and decisions.
   • Proverbs 1:5: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Here, Solomon connects wisdom and understanding with obtaining guidance, suggesting that those who possess wisdom and understanding are able to offer valuable counsel.
   • Proverbs 13:10: “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” This verse implies that those who are wise enough to seek and take advice are characterized by wisdom, implying that wise counsel should come from those who understand the implications of their advice
2. Good Judgment: Wise counsel involves offering advice that promotes good judgment and discernment. It helps others to see the implications of their choices and to make decisions that align with wisdom.
   • Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” This verse highlights the necessity of having guidance from counselors or advisors. It suggests that without such guidance, people are prone to failure or missteps, but with many counselors offering advice, there is safety and security in decision-making.
   • Proverbs 15:22: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” This verse underscores the role of guidance or counsel in the success of plans. It suggests that seeking advice from multiple advisors or counselors contributes to successful outcomes in one’s endeavors.
3. Truthfulness and Integrity: Wise counsel is characterized by honesty and integrity. It does not deceive or mislead but offers advice that is truthful and reliable.
   • Proverbs 12:17: “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” This verse highlights the importance of truthfulness in communication. Wise counsel should be truthful and based on honest evidence rather than deceit or falsehood.
   • Proverbs 16:13: “Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.” This verse implies that wise counsel involves speaking what is right and righteous. It suggests that a wise counselor is valued for their integrity and honesty in their words and advice.
4. Experience and Knowledge: Solomon often portrays wise counselors as those who have knowledge and experience, which they use to guide others effectively.
   • Proverbs 24:6: “For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” This verse suggests that wise counsel, which includes both guidance and advice, is crucial for success in various endeavors, likening it to strategic warfare where experience and knowledge play vital roles.
   • Proverbs 13:10: “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” This verse implies that those who are wise enough to seek and take advice from experienced counselors are characterized by wisdom. It emphasizes the value of experience in offering sound advice that leads to wise decision-making.
5. Listening and Receiving: Wise counsel also involves the willingness to listen and receive advice. It requires humility to seek guidance from those who have more wisdom or experience in a particular matter. Solomon underscores that wise counsel involves not only giving advice but also receiving it with an open mind and attentive ears. Those who seek wisdom should be willing to listen to others, accept instruction, and consider advice seriously, as this contributes to making informed and wise decisions.
   • Proverbs 19:20: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” This verse emphasizes the importance of being open to advice and instruction from others. Solomon suggests that listening attentively and being willing to receive guidance are pathways to gaining wisdom over time.
   • Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” This verse contrasts the attitude of a fool, who is self-assured and unwilling to listen to others, with that of a wise person who values and listens to advice. It highlights the humility and openness required to benefit from wise counsel.

Spend time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to people who can be your wise counsel. Put them through the litmus test of the above qualities. Most wise counsel are people that you are in a relationship with, trust, and view as mentors in your life. They can be trusted friends and family. More than anything make sure that you surround yourself with counsel that always urges you to seek the Lord and spend time in His word. If your counsel isn’t encouraging, correcting, and challenging you as a believer, chances are they shouldn’t be in the wise counsel circle.