GOOD COUNSEL IS A SAFETY NET
PROVERBS 11:14
PROVERBS 11:14 NKJ
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
I write, highlight and underline in all my Bibles. This is not sacrilegious; it's smart. As you do this you can go back and see what the Holy Spirit was bringing to your attention. Proverbs 11 is full of highlighted verses. One of these verses always makes me chuckle. "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks direction" (taste). I apologize if this verse bothers you, but it's just funny. The Lord does have a sense of humor. Humor did not originate from Satan.
Verse 14 is a small bite of very sound wisdom. Where there is no counsel, the people fall. The word counsel here means advice. A more in-depth definition would imply godly advice. God has a massive amount of advice for all areas of our lives. His counsel is not an effort to ruin our lives or spoil our fun. His advice will keep us from falling. How many of us can attest to God's counsel saving us from a multitude of problems.
The verse goes on to say in the multitude of counselors, there is safety. If you are a bit concerned that you don't have a multitude of people in your life who can offer godly counsel, do not despair. The best counselors are found in God's word. David spoke of God's word being his counselors (Psalm 119:24). So, as you read your Bible, you are reading God's counsel. And God’s word is timeless advice that can speak to your life today.
Another source of counsel and advice is the Holy Spirit. As our Helper, He brings us truth in line with God's word.
Another source of counsel is church leaders and the messages they preach and teach.
And don't forget godly friends who can offer advice. Just make sure their advice is congruent with God's advice.
Godly counsel is so valuable. Without it, we can fall, but with many godly sources of counsel, we are in a safe place.
APPLICATION:
What/who are sources of advice for you? Is it godly advice or advice from people who have no respect for God? Counsel, especially right counsel, is a safety net and a valuable thing.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Your word and Your Holy Spirit and the sources of good counsel in my life.