Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, counsellors are individuals who provide guidance, advice, and wisdom to others, often in matters of spiritual, moral, or practical significance. The role of a counsellor is highly esteemed in Scripture, as wise counsel is considered a gift from God and a means to discern His will.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel. Proverbs, a book dedicated to wisdom, underscores the value of good advice.
Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance." This verse emphasizes the necessity of multiple counsellors to ensure sound decision-making and stability.
In the history of Israel, counsellors played crucial roles in the administration of the kingdom. King David had Ahithophel, whose counsel was highly regarded, as noted in
2 Samuel 16:23 : "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."
The book of Isaiah also speaks to the role of counsellors, particularly in the context of divine guidance.
Isaiah 9:6 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, referring to Him as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This title highlights the ultimate wisdom and guidance that the Messiah would provide.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the concept of counselling is often linked to the work of the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. Jesus Christ is depicted as the ultimate counsellor, offering guidance through His teachings and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In
John 14:26 , Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a helper and teacher: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."
The early church also recognized the importance of wise counsel within the community. The apostles and elders provided guidance to the early Christians, as seen in
Acts 15, where the Jerusalem Council deliberated on issues concerning Gentile believers. The decision reached was a result of collective wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Characteristics of Godly CounsellorsScripture outlines several characteristics of godly counsellors. They are to be wise, discerning, and filled with the Spirit of God.
Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." This suggests that successful counsel is rooted in wisdom and understanding.
Moreover, counsellors are to be trustworthy and have integrity.
Proverbs 20:18 advises, "Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance." This implies that counsellors should be reliable and their advice should be based on sound principles.
Role in the Christian CommunityIn the Christian community, counsellors serve to edify and build up the body of Christ. They provide spiritual guidance, help resolve conflicts, and offer support in times of need.
Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks to the various roles within the church, including teachers and pastors, who often serve as counsellors: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."
Counsellors in the church are called to reflect the character of Christ, offering wisdom and guidance that align with biblical truths. Their role is vital in helping believers grow in their faith and navigate the complexities of life with a godly perspective.
Library
Joseph of Arimathea
... Sanhedrim. He is also spoken of as "a good man and a just," which could
not have been said of many of his fellow-counsellors. On...
The King, Hearing These Words, Answered, that He was Both Willing...
... that he was both willing and bound to receive the faith which Paulinus taught; but
that he would confer about it with his chief friends andcounsellors, to the...
The Test by Fire
... Nebuchadrezzar, the king, was so astonished that he rose up hastily and said to
hiscounsellors, "Did we not throw three men, bound, into the fire?" They...
Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his sevencounsellors, to inquire
concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in...
To Giovanna Queen of Naples
... Their life shows you that they do not tell the truth; so do thecounsellors they
have about them, without and within, who may be men of knowledge, but they are...
How to Split a Kingdom
... It was the lower kind which the oldcounsellors of his father gave him,"that wisdom
which is mere cunning directed to selfish ends, and careless of honour or...
In Troubles --
... The king'scounsellors suggested that he should carry back letters to the barons
demanding aid and succour, letters which it was known would be well weighted...
Rome and Ephesus
... So he called his beloved son, whom he had as heir, and his friends whom he had as
counsellors, and told them what he had ordered his servant, and what he had...
Essay
... supposed to be between equals. But God may be rather supposed to declare
his mind to his angels, ascounsellors. Nor will it be...
A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... fire," are immediately followed by the verse, "Nabouchodonosor the king was astonished,
and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto hiscounsellors." For so...
Thesaurus
Counsellors (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Counsellors (21 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 22:4
And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, as
...Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, thecounsellors, the sheriffs...
Ministers (49 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he
spake and said unto hiscounsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the...
Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the
governors, the honourable judges, the treasurers, thecounsellors, the sheriffs...
Justices (2 Occurrences)
... 3:2 And Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the prefects,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, thecounsellors, the justices...
Magistrates (18 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the
governors, the honourable judges, the treasurers, thecounsellors, the sheriffs...
Provincial (7 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the
governors, the honourable judges, the treasurers, thecounsellors, the sheriffs...
Counsellor (16 Occurrences)
Counselor (19 Occurrences)
Safety (72 Occurrences)
... (WBS NIV). Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude
ofcounsellors there is safety. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)....
Resources
Is a gospel crusade a biblical method of evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “in all your ways acknowledge Him” in Proverbs 3:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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