Counselling, within the context of the Bible, refers to the act of providing guidance, advice, and wisdom to others, often with the aim of aligning one's life with God's will. The concept of counselling is deeply rooted in Scripture, where wisdom and guidance are highly valued and sought after.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel. 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 protective and stabilizing role that good counsel can play in the life of individuals and communities.

God as the Ultimate Counselor

God is depicted as the ultimate source of wisdom and counsel. Isaiah 9:6 refers to the coming Messiah as the "Wonderful Counselor," indicating that Jesus Christ embodies perfect wisdom and guidance. Believers are encouraged to seek God's counsel through prayer and the study of His Word, as seen in Psalm 32:8 : "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you."

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in counselling believers. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Counselor to guide His followers into all truth. John 14:26 states, "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 inner guidance and conviction, helping believers discern God's will.

Human Counselors

While divine guidance is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the role of human counselors. Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Godly counselors, such as pastors, elders, and mature believers, can offer valuable insights and support, helping others navigate life's challenges in accordance with biblical principles.

Characteristics of Godly Counsel

Godly counsel is characterized by wisdom, truth, and love. James 3:17 describes the wisdom from above as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." Effective counselling should reflect these qualities, aiming to build up and edify the recipient.

Counselling in the Early Church

The early church practiced counselling as part of its communal life. The apostles and elders provided guidance on doctrinal and practical matters, as seen in Acts 15, where the Jerusalem Council addressed issues concerning Gentile believers. This example underscores the importance of seeking collective wisdom and discernment within the body of Christ.

Counselling and Accountability

Counselling often involves accountability, encouraging individuals to live in accordance with God's standards. Galatians 6:1-2 instructs believers, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This passage highlights the role of counselling in spiritual restoration and mutual support.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a systematic theology of counselling, it offers numerous principles and examples that underscore its importance. Counselling, when grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit, serves as a vital tool for spiritual growth, healing, and transformation within the Christian community.(vb. n.) of Counsel.711. Aristoboulos -- "best-counseling," Aristobulus, a Christian ...
... Aristobulus. From the same as ariston and boule; best counselling; Aristoboulus,
a Christian -- Aristobulus. see GREEK ariston. see GREEK boule. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/711.htm - 6k

Objections Continued...
... with shame that times are signified by the latter, they may understand that to say
by will' is to place times before the Son; for counselling goes before ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xxx objections continued.htm

Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... Is breathing such ill fumes, and into hearts. 40 Seduced injecting his own
counselling. And hoping in his folly (alas!) to find. Forgiveness ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/5 five books in reply.htm

The Office of the Instructor.
... Both are of the highest utility,"that which assumes the form of counselling to
obedience, and that which is presented in the form of example; which latter is ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter i the office of.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... A servant means one who is at the disposal of Jesus Christ for service in his cause,
here for the special service of warning and counselling fellow-Christians. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

Our Instructor's Treatment of Our Sins.
... it pollutes by defiling the soul: wherefore He prescribes the cure with all speed,
advising the head to be instantly shaven; that is, counselling the locks of ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii our instructors treatment of.htm

Now, Then, the Epistles of the Apostles Also are Well Known. ...
... him back with the intention not of dissuading, but to show love for him; as yearning
for (the preservation of) the apostle, not as counselling against martyrdom ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter xv now then the.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... faith, carrying Jerusalem inviolate through her siege by the Assyrians; and now
a century later Jeremiah, with a more costly courage, counselling her surrender ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

Rom. vi. 5
... For it is this and the like that he is counselling thee when he says, "for if we
have been planted together in the likeness of His Death, we shall be also in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi rom vi 5.htm

Second Instruction.
... He says, "To-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the day
of provocation." [520] And this, He says, exhorting and counselling us; that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/second instruction.htm

To the Beloved Brother John, Innocent.
... Although the innocent man ought to expect all good things, and to crave mercy from
God, nevertheless we also, counselling resignation, have sent an appropriate ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/to the beloved brother john.htm

Counselling (9 Occurrences)
...Counselling (9 Occurrences). Luke 22:42 saying, 'Father, if Thou be counselling
to make this cup pass from me --; but, not my will, but Thine be done.' -- (YLT) ...
/c/counselling.htm - 9k

Consulteth (7 Occurrences)
... Rehoboam consulteth with the elders who have been standing in the presence of Solomon
his father, in his being alive, saying, 'How are ye counselling to answer ...
/c/consulteth.htm - 8k

Counsellor (16 Occurrences)

/c/counsellor.htm - 12k

Lightly (31 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 1:17 This, therefore, counselling, did I then use the lightness; or
the things that I counsel, according to the flesh do I counsel, that it may ...
/l/lightly.htm - 16k

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:9 the Lord is not slow in regard to the promise, as certain count slowness,
but is long-suffering to us, not counselling any to be lost but all to ...
/f/forbearing.htm - 9k

Devising (18 Occurrences)
... evil -- (YLT). Proverbs 12:20 Deceit 'is' in the heart of those devising evil,
And to those counselling peace 'is' joy. (YLT). Proverbs ...
/d/devising.htm - 11k

Counselleth (1 Occurrence)

/c/counselleth.htm - 6k

Staggering (7 Occurrences)
... for a cause of staggering, Every one who doth mention it, for himself feareth, Because
of the counsel of Jehovah of Hosts, That He is counselling against it. ...
/s/staggering.htm - 8k

Reformation (24 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 3:9 the Lord is not slow in regard to the promise, as certain count slowness,
but is long-suffering to us, not counselling any to be lost but all to ...
/r/reformation.htm - 14k

Somewhat (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 12:9 and he saith unto them, 'What are ye counselling, and we answer this
people, who have spoken unto me, saying, Lighten 'somewhat' of the yoke that ...
/s/somewhat.htm - 16k

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