Today’s Bible Journaling is from Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” (KJV) The English Standard Version (ESV) says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” The Amplified Bible (AMP) says, “Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed.” When we are in the midst of carrying out plans we have made, making decisions, or even setting goals, having a sounding board, a counselor if you will, is always a good idea. Solomon says that without counsel our plans can fail.
Take for instance, building a house. When I lived in Montana, my husband and I built a house. We contacted a contractor (our counselor), we sat down and told him what we wanted, and my husband drew a rough draft of what the house should look like. Our contractor then took our ideas and drew out a blueprint from which he would be working. Without asking a lot of questions and seeking his advice on how best we should put this house together, how much it would cost, and other factors, we would never have had a successful project. We saw an example of that right in the subdivision where we built the house. A man who lived a few blocks from my parents’ house (they lived a block and a half away from us) started to build his house. He got as far as the foundation and he ran into problems. We aren’t sure exactly what the problem was, but it was evident he didn’t sit down and take into consideration all aspects of building his house. The project ended up being abandoned and he had to sell the property with a partial foundation on the lot. It was obvious that he didn’t rely on counselors to help him finish his house.
Just like building a house, we need counselors for every aspect of our lives. This is the time of year when people are making resolutions, making plans for the year, endeavoring to improve their outlook on life, their circumstances, etc. Sometimes, getting sound advice is needed. The first person to seek counsel from is God! He knows the plans He has for you. (Jeremiah 29:11) Ask Him if this is the direction He wants you to take. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of the (arrogant) fool (who rejects God’s wisdom) is right in his own eyes, But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.” (AMP) Once you hear from Him then seek out a person who may be able to help you accomplish the task God is leading you into.
In seeking advice, whether it be a mentor for something you want to improve on, or in deciding to launch out into new territory, it is best to find someone who is knowledgeable with the area you are researching. Find someone you trust. Discernment is always needed. Some people may not find it a high priority to keep things confidential, some may not want you to succeed and therefore give you wrong information. Especially in Spiritual matters, the guidance of your Pastor or a Spiritual mentor is a good beginning. In areas such as a business venture, a project you may want to begin, or self-improvement, finding someone who has experience in that area, can guide you, and warn you of pitfalls along the way, and wants you to succeed, is a good idea
A counselor can also help be an accountability partner. They can help keep you on track. They can warn you when it looks as if you are taking a wrong turn. I hold great store by accountability partners. They have your best interest in mind, and they want you to succeed in what you are trying to do. When I was trying to lose weight a few years ago, I was in a program that incorporated accountability partners. It was, in part, because of my accountability partner that I was able to succeed in losing the weight I needed to lose.
As we launch out into this new year, seeking counsel should be part of our resolution to be better or begin a new thing. Make your first Counselor, the Lord!
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