Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "counsels" refers to advice, guidance, or plans, often associated with wisdom and discernment. The concept of counsel is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance and wise advice in decision-making and life choices.
Divine CounselThe Bible frequently highlights the supremacy of God's counsel over human understanding. In
Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all that I please." This underscores the belief that God's plans are sovereign and ultimately prevail over human intentions.
Proverbs 19:21 echoes this sentiment: "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail."
Human CounselWhile divine counsel is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the value of human counsel, particularly when it aligns with godly wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This verse highlights the importance of seeking advice from multiple sources to ensure sound decision-making.
The book of Proverbs is replete with references to the importance of wise counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." This suggests that collaboration and seeking diverse perspectives can lead to successful outcomes.
Counsel in LeadershipBiblical leaders often sought counsel to guide their actions and decisions. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is a prime example. In
1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." His request for divine counsel underscores the importance of wisdom in leadership.
Conversely, the failure to seek or heed wise counsel can lead to disastrous consequences. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, rejected the advice of the elders and followed the counsel of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom (
1 Kings 12:6-15).
Counsel of the WickedThe Bible also warns against ungodly counsel.
Psalm 1:1 advises, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers." This verse serves as a caution against following advice that leads away from righteousness and God's will.
The Role of the Holy SpiritIn the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit as a counselor is emphasized. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Counselor" or "Helper" in
John 14:26: "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 Holy Spirit provides believers with guidance, wisdom, and understanding, continuing the theme of divine counsel.
ConclusionThe concept of counsel in the Bible underscores the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from both divine and human sources. Whether through the counsel of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of Scripture, or the advice of godly individuals, the pursuit of wise counsel is a recurring theme that encourages believers to align their decisions with God's will and purpose.
Greek
3466. musterion -- a mystery or secret doctrine... moos-tay'-ree-on) Short Definition: anything hidden, a mystery Definition: a mystery,
secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the
counsels of God
...Strong's Hebrew
8458. tachbulah -- direction, counsel... Word Origin from chabal Definition direction, counsel NASB Word Usage
counsels (1), guidance (2), wise counsel (1), wise guidance (2). fornication, whoredom.
...6098. etsah -- counsel, advice
... from yaats Definition counsel, advice NASB Word Usage advice (11), consultation
(2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1),counsels (1), designs (1...
4156. moetsah -- counsel, plan, principle, device
... devices. Word Origin from yaats Definition counsel, plan, principle, device
NASB Word Usagecounsels (3), devices (4). counsel, device....
8459. Tochu -- an ancestor of Samuel
... good advice, wisecounsels. From an unused root meaning to depress; abasement; Tochu,
an Israelite -- Tohu. 8458, 8459. Tochu. 8460 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
PartingCounsels
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END PARTINGCOUNSELS. 'And now, behold, I go bound in the
spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23....
Whether Certain DefiniteCounsels are Fittingly Proposed in the...
... OF THOSE THINGS THAT ARE CONTAINED IN THE NEW LAW (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether certain
definitecounsels are fittingly proposed in the New Law?...
Instructions andCounsels to Confessors and Spiritual Directors.
... Internal and External Penance. CHAP. VI. Instructions andCounsels to
Confessors and Spiritual Directors. 28. The highest and most...
Counsels and Reminiscences of Soeur Therese, the Little Flower of...
... THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SOEUR TH??R??SE OF LISIEUX, ENTITLED BY HERSELF: "THE STORY OF
THE SPRINGTIME OF A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER"COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES OF...
The Wisdom of God'sCounsels
... Second Series Sermon 68 The Wisdom of God'sCounsels.... How unfathomable are
hiscounsels, and his paths past tracing out!". Footnotes:...
A Continuation of the Preceding Discourse. How Every One, While...
... BOOK VIII. OF THE LOVE OF CONFORMITY, BY WHICH WE UNITE OUR WILL TO THE WILL OF
GOD, SIGNIFIED UNTO US BY HIS COMMANDMENTS,COUNSELS AND INSPIRATIONS....
Whether Every Religious is Bound to Keep all theCounsels?
... OF THOSE THINGS IN WHICH THE RELIGIOUS STATE PROPERLY CONSISTS (TEN ARTICLES)
Whether every religious is bound to keep all thecounsels?...
Of the Conformity of Our Will to that Will of God which is...
... BOOK VIII. OF THE LOVE OF CONFORMITY, BY WHICH WE UNITE OUR WILL TO THE WILL OF
GOD, SIGNIFIED UNTO US BY HIS COMMANDMENTS,COUNSELS AND INSPIRATIONS....
That the Contempt of the EvangelicalCounsels is a Great Sin.
... BOOK VIII. OF THE LOVE OF CONFORMITY, BY WHICH WE UNITE OUR WILL TO THE WILL OF
GOD, SIGNIFIED UNTO US BY HIS COMMANDMENTS,COUNSELS AND INSPIRATIONS....
Whether, in this Life, Perfection Consists in the Observance of...
... Whether, in this life, perfection consists in the observance of the
commandments or of thecounsels? Objection 1: It would seem...
Thesaurus
Counsels (22 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Counsels (22 Occurrences).
... Romans 11:34 "Who has ever
known the mind of the Lord, or shared His
counsels?" (WEY).
...Devices (43 Occurrences)
... Let them fall by their owncounsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their
transgressions, for they have rebelled against you. (See NAS)....
Stubbornness (14 Occurrences)
... Psalms 81:12 So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that
they might walk in their owncounsels. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS)....
Stubborn (40 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 81:12 So I let them go after the
stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their owncounsels....
Counselors (21 Occurrences)
Peter (181 Occurrences)
... Hecounsels (1) to steadfastness and perseverance under persecution (1-2:10); (2)
to the practical duties of a holy life (2:11-3:13); (3) he adduces the...
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... This then was the literary form in which from the time of Solomon onward the sages
of the nation put theircounsels of life, character, conduct; it became as...
Sirach
... CONTENTS IV. TEACHING 1. Religion 2. Morals 3. Manners 4.Counsels of Prudence V.
LITERARY FORM VI. AUTHOR 1. Jesus, Son of Sirach 2. Other Views VII....
Observers (5 Occurrences)
... toward Jehovah have been confident. (YLT). Isaiah 47:13 Thou art wearied in
the multitude of thycounsels. Let now the interpreters of...
Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... Johanan succeeded Gedaliah, and refusing to listen to Jeremiah'scounsels, went
down into Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with him (Jeremiah 43:6). There...
Resources
What is the value of pastoral counseling? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gad the seer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have a personal relationship with God? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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