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Value of Abundant Counsel in Biblical Wisdom

The concept of abundant counsel is a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature, emphasizing its vital role in achieving success, stability, and spiritual understanding. The book of Proverbs, in particular, frequently highlights the value of seeking and receiving guidance. For instance, Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory" [2]. This verse underscores the idea that collective wisdom, derived from multiple sources of counsel, is essential for effective leadership and the well-being of a community.

Wisdom itself is presented as a profound and multifaceted attribute. It is not merely an intellectual quality but also a moral one, often contrasted with foolishness, which is equated with godlessness [6]. True wisdom is considered a divine gift, accessible to those who seek it [6]. Proverbs 8:14 personifies wisdom, declaring, "Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power" [1]. John Gill interprets this passage as referring to a divine Person, specifically Christ, who is identified as the "Wisdom of God" and the "wonderful Counsellor" [14, 15]. This perspective suggests that ultimate counsel originates from God himself.

The pursuit of counsel is depicted as an active process. Proverbs 20:5 notes that "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out" [4]. This implies that valuable insights may not always be immediately apparent but require discernment and effort to uncover. The counsel of a wise person is described as abundant, like a flood, and enduring, like a fountain of life [3]. This imagery suggests that true wisdom provides a continuous and overflowing source of guidance.

The benefits of heeding counsel extend to various aspects of life. Prudence, which is intimately connected with wisdom, is exemplified by Christ and is seen in those who deal with knowledge, look well to their ways, and foresee and avoid evil [7]. Such individuals are preserved by their prudence [7]. The book of Ecclesiastes also affirms the strength of wisdom, stating that "Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city" [5].

Conversely, a lack of counsel can lead to downfall [2]. Therefore, the biblical emphasis is on actively listening to and receiving instruction, particularly the counsel of Christ and the teachings found in Scripture [16]. This approach is intended to lead to wisdom in one's "latter end," preparing an individual for a future state and the well-being of their soul [16].

The concept of "fear of the Lord" is closely linked to wisdom and the reception of counsel. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [12]. This fear is not one of terror, but rather a reverent awe and respect for God [8, 13]. A healthy fear of the Lord is seen as counteracting inner turmoil and bringing inner peace [11]. It is contrasted with the fear of people, which can lead to destruction, whereas fearing the Lord provides a sanctuary and assures salvation [9, 10]. This reverence for God is foundational to receiving and applying divine counsel effectively.

Sources

  1. Proverbs “Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. -- Proverbs 8:14”
  2. Proverbs “Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. -- Proverbs 11:14”
  3. Sirach “Sirach 21:16 (DRC) — The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood, and his counsel continueth like a fountain of life.”
  4. Proverbs “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. -- Proverbs 20:5”
  5. Ecclesiastes “Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. -- Ecclesiastes 7:19”
  6. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Wise, wisdom — A moral rather than an intellectual quality. To be "foolish" is to be godless (Ps. 14:1; comp. Judg. 19:23; 2 Sam. 13:13). True wisdom is a gift from God to those who ask it (Job 28:12-28; Prov. 3:13-18; Rom. 1:22; 16:27; 1 Cor. 1:17-21; 2:6-8; James 1:5). "Wisdom" in Prov. 1:20; 8:1; 9:1-5 may be regarded not as a mere personification of the attribute of wisdom, but as a divine person, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24). In Matt. 11:19 it is the personified principle of wisdom that is meant.”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
  8. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 65:8: 65:8 All over the world (Job 38:13; see Ps 50:1-3), people should stand in awe of the Lord.”
  9. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:11: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9; 8:6). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.”
  10. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:14: 3:14-15 or be afraid of their threats: See Isa 8:13, where God exhorts the prophet to fear nothing except the Lord. • worship Christ as Lord: By fearing Christ, they will be free from fear of their human persecutors.”
  11. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
  12. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
  13. Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
  14. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 8:14: Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom,.... The words and sentiments in this and the following clause are the same with those in Job 12:13; and scent to be taken from thence, which are spoken of God; and being here applied to Wisdom, show that a divine Person is meant; and are very applicable to him who the Wisdom of God, and the power of God; and on whom rests the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel, and of might, and of the fear of the Lord, Co1 1:24. "Counsel" belongs to him, and is used and exercised by him, as concerned with the Father and Spirit, both in”
  15. Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 3:16: I counsel thee,.... Christ is a Counsellor, and is every way fit to be one, for he is the all wise God, the Ancient of days, and the Father of his people, and, as Mediator, the Wisdom of God; and he was concerned in the council of peace from everlasting; and when he was here on earth he gave counsel in person, and now he gives it by his Spirit, and by his word and ministers; and the substance of it is, to come to him for grace, life, and salvation; for pardon, peace, and righteousness; for spiritual light and knowledge, and every supply of grace; and his advice is”
  16. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 19:20: Hear counsel, and receive instruction,.... Of parents, masters, and ministers; especially the counsel and instruction of Wisdom, of Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, the wonderful Counsellor; and of his Gospel and of the Scriptures, which are able to make a man wise unto salvation; that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end; in the latter end of life, at death; that then it may appear a man has been so wise as to be concerned for a future state, for the good of his soul in another world; by listening to the counsel and instruction of Christ, in his word; by lookin”
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