We’ve talked about the importance of the Bible, prayer and the Holy Spirit in making Godly decisions. But sometimes we still feel foggy or unsure. We don’t know if what we’re feeling is actually the Spirit. Then what do we do? I suggest that we then turn to wise counsel.

Wise counsel keeps us safe; it helps us avoid falling. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.” Our own instincts often put us in danger and lead us astray. We all have inner scripts – we talk to ourselves about the decisions we’re making and justify our thought processes. Our plans often make total sense to us. However, sometimes when we share that plan with someone, they think we sound crazy! We can’t trust our own scripts – we need someone to tell us when our instincts are off. Proverbs 19:20-21 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Input from Godly people improves our lives and helps us make successful decisions.

Seeking wise counsel shows humility. It forces us to humble ourselves and admit that we can’t navigate life on our own. Often times we have blind spots – areas on which we need to work that we can’t necessarily see. Wise counselors to help us become self-aware about our shortcomings.

God has given us a natural chain of influence. Our families are a big part of this. Children can look to their parents for advice – even if they hate to admit that their parents know anything! Married people can seek counsel from their spouses. If you’re a believer connected to a church body, the church is full of people who can provide wise counsel. Seek someone who knows the Bible and will point you back to it. In Titus, Paul says that older men should teach the younger men and older women should teach the younger women. There is value in life experience!

Wise counselors can confirm what God is speaking into our lives. Perhaps most importantly, wise counselors will tell us what we don’t want to hear. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6) We need to go to people who will be honest with us because they love us.

God has placed wise counselors in our lives to help us navigate tough decisions and bear our burdens. He has provided us many resources to find His will – so that we can do it!