The concept of being "counseled" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature and the broader narrative of God's guidance to His people. The act of counseling involves providing guidance, advice, or instruction, often with the aim of leading someone toward a righteous path or decision. In the biblical context, counsel is often associated with divine wisdom, godly advice, and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Divine Counsel

God Himself is depicted as the ultimate counselor. In Isaiah 9:6, the coming Messiah is referred to as "Wonderful Counselor," indicating that Jesus Christ embodies perfect wisdom and guidance. This title underscores the belief that true counsel originates from God and is manifested through His Son.

Human Counselors

Throughout the Bible, God uses human agents to provide counsel. In the Old Testament, figures such as Moses, Joshua, and the prophets served as counselors to the people of Israel, offering guidance based on God's commandments and revelations. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This highlights the importance of seeking wise and godly counsel to ensure stability and success.

The Role of Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in references to counsel. Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." This emphasizes the value of seeking multiple perspectives and the collective wisdom of a community grounded in faith. Proverbs 19:20 further advises, "Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days."

Counsel in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the role of the Holy Spirit as a counselor is prominent. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit in John 14:26, saying, "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 is thus seen as a divine counselor who guides believers into all truth.

Counsel in the Early Church

The early church also placed a high value on counsel. The apostles and elders provided guidance to the early Christian communities, as seen in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council. This gathering was a pivotal moment where collective counsel was sought to address doctrinal issues, demonstrating the importance of communal discernment and decision-making.

Warnings Against Ungodly Counsel

The Bible also warns against ungodly counsel. Psalm 1:1 cautions, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers." This verse serves as a reminder to discern the source of counsel and to avoid advice that leads away from God's truth.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical concept of being counseled is multifaceted, involving divine guidance, the wisdom of godly individuals, and the active role of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to seek counsel that aligns with God's Word and to be wary of advice that contradicts His teachings.(imp. & p. p.) of Counsel.3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel
... 1), conspire (1), conspired (1), consult (2), consulted (8), counsel (4), counsel
do you give (2), counsel you have given (1), counseled (7), Counselor (1 ...
/hebrew/3289.htm - 6k

1696. dabar -- to speak
... root Definition to speak NASB Word Usage again (2), assert (1), boast* (1), commanded
(1), counseled (2), declare (2), declared (5), declared* (1), directed (2 ...
/hebrew/1696.htm - 6k

How Licinius Counseled his Soldiers not to Attack the Standard of ...
... Book II. Chapter XVI."How Licinius counseled his Soldiers not to attack
the Standard of the Cross. Having now learned by experience ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvi how licinius counseled his.htm

Of the Mass.
... even though there were some good in them; and so much the more because they are
without the Word of God; being neither commanded nor counseled, they are an ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

His Conversion
... He was a scholar of Gamaliel, the advocate of humanity and tolerance, who
had counseled the Sanhedrin to leave the Christians alone. ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iii his conversion.htm

Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends
... can not be deceived. On these things Paul has counseled us to-day in the
passages which have been read to us. Attend, however, to ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/chrysostom excessive grief at.htm

Call to China and Voyage Hence
... John Talmage never called attention to himself, but the Arab chief must have counseled
many, and well, to have taken a higher place than did this messenger of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/ii call to china and.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... This treatment was abandoned as soon as it became known that the rector had counseled
his people to submit, as he intended to send a copy of the court's ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... The older and more experienced men counseled him to grant their request, but he
heeded the advice of the young men, who were ignorant of conditions, and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

Chapter thirteen
... Surely Jesus in our places would do what you have done.". And so Rollin
comforted Virginia and counseled with her that evening. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirteen.htm

The Last King of Judah
... Through Jeremiah, Zedekiah and all Judah, including those taken to Babylon, were
counseled to submit quietly to the temporary rule of their conquerors. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... Of the fruits of repentance. Carefulness. Excuse. Indignation. Fear. Desire. Zeal.
Revenge. Moderation to be observed, as most sagely counseled by Bernard. 16. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Counseled (12 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Counsel. Multi-Version Concordance Counseled (12 Occurrences). Acts
15:37 And Barnabas counseled to take with 'them' John called Mark, (YLT). ...
/c/counseled.htm - 10k

Advised (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/a/advised.htm - 9k

Ahithophel (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/a/ahithophel.htm - 16k

Counselled (26 Occurrences)

/c/counselled.htm - 14k

Counsel (192 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/c/counsel.htm - 39k

Ab'salom (85 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/a/ab'salom.htm - 29k

Abiathar (29 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/a/abiathar.htm - 29k

Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/z/zadok.htm - 40k

Hushai (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 17:15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, "Ahithophel
counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled...
/h/hushai.htm - 12k

Lame (35 Occurrences)
... In Hebrews 12:13 the Christians are counseled to courage under chastisement, lest
their despair should cause that which is lame to be "turned out of the way ...
/l/lame.htm - 21k

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