In the biblical context, counselors are individuals who provide guidance, wisdom, and advice, often in matters of spiritual, moral, or practical significance. The role of a counselor is highly esteemed in Scripture, as wise counsel is seen as a means to discern God's will and make righteous decisions.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel. Proverbs, a book dedicated to wisdom, repeatedly emphasizes the value of good advice. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" . This verse underscores the protective and stabilizing role that counselors play in a community or individual's life.

In the history of Israel, counselors were often part of the king's court, providing strategic and spiritual guidance. For example, Ahithophel was a counselor to King David, known for his astute advice, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23: "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like someone inquiring of the word of God; such was all the advice of Ahithophel both to David and to Absalom" .

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of counseling is closely associated with the role of the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Wonderful Counselor" in Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy fulfilled in His earthly ministry as He provided divine wisdom and guidance.

The early church emphasized mutual counsel among believers. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council serves as a model of collective discernment and decision-making, where the apostles and elders gathered to seek God's will on doctrinal matters. This reflects the New Testament principle that wisdom is often found in the collective discernment of the body of Christ.

Spiritual Counselors

Spiritual counselors in the Bible are those who guide others in understanding and applying God's Word. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often acted as a counselor to the early churches, offering guidance on theological, ethical, and practical issues. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul exhorts believers, "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone" , highlighting the multifaceted role of counseling within the Christian community.

Characteristics of Godly Counselors

Scripture outlines several characteristics of godly counselors. They are to be wise, discerning, and filled with the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" . This wisdom is essential for effective counseling.

Moreover, counselors are to be trustworthy and truthful. Proverbs 27:9 states, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel" , indicating that genuine counsel is both pleasant and sincere.

Role in the Church

In the church, counselors may serve in various capacities, such as pastors, elders, or lay leaders, providing spiritual guidance and support to individuals and groups. Their role is to help others grow in faith, resolve conflicts, and make decisions that align with biblical principles.

The importance of counselors is further emphasized in the pastoral epistles, where leaders are instructed to teach sound doctrine and provide correction and encouragement (2 Timothy 4:2). This reflects the ongoing need for wise and godly counsel within the Christian community.3289. yaats -- to advise, counsel
... 3288, 3289. yaats. 3290 . to advise, counsel. Transliteration: yaats Phonetic
Spelling: (yaw-ats') Short Definition: counselors. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3289.htm - 6k

3272a. yaet -- counselor
... yaet. 3272b . counselor. Transliteration: yaet Short Definition: counselors. Word
Origin (Aramaic) from yeat Definition counselor NASB Word Usage counselors ( ...
/hebrew/3272a.htm - 5k

148. adargazar -- a counselor
... 147, 148. adargazar. 149 . a counselor. Transliteration: adargazar Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-ar''-gaw-zare') Short Definition: counselors. ...
/hebrew/148.htm - 6k

6098. etsah -- counsel, advice
... Word Origin from yaats Definition counsel, advice NASB Word Usage advice (11),
consultation (2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels (1 ...
/hebrew/6098.htm - 6k

1907. haddabar -- counselor, minister
... Word Origin (Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition counselor, minister NASB
Word Usage counselors (1), high officials (3). counselor. ...
/hebrew/1907.htm - 6k

376. ish -- man
... 21), any man's (4), any one (3), anyone (16), anyone* (1), archers* (1), Benjamite*
(3), certain (6), champion* (2), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), deserve (1 ...
/hebrew/376.htm - 7k

Following the Advice of all These Counselors, as Well as I Could.. ...
... [Way-2-26] Following the advice of all these counselors, as well as I
could? Following the advice of all these counselors, as ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-26 following the advice of.htm

Debate on the Proposed Invasion of Greece.
... Counselors of Xerxes."Age and character of Mardonius."The avenues to renown."Blood
inherited and blood shed."Character of Artabanus."His advice to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iii debate on the.htm

Solomon
... Early in his reign he went with his counselors of state to Gibeon, where the tabernacle
that had been built in the wilderness still was, and there he united ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... of the commandments of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel;" "a scribe of the
law of the God of heaven." The king united with his counselors in offering ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... Had Rehoboam and his inexperienced counselors understood the divine will concerning
Israel, they would have listened to the request of the people for decided ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... I have given command for that purpose; and let every one that hath a mind go, according
as it hath seemed good to me, and to my seven counselors, and this in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Sunday after Easter
... kingdom of God, the heavenly kingdom of Christ, is included, first, the angels in
heaven, who are the chief lords, the inner circle of counselors; second, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after easter.htm

The Fiery Furnace
... realm had been saved an ignominious death; forgetting all except their desire to
establish their own power and supremacy, the king and his counselors of state ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 41 the fiery furnace.htm

The Battle of Salamis.
... to the parliamentary etiquette of those days, in such royal councils as these, a
sort of mediator, to stand between the king and his counselors, as if the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xi the battle of.htm

The Church and the Young Man.
... his rebellion against his royal father, notwithstanding his youth and inexperience,
was a stubborn fact, with which the leaders and counselors and armies of ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the church and the young.htm

Counselors (21 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Counselors (21 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 22:4
He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did ...
/c/counselors.htm - 13k

Advisers (22 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 22:4 He did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the
house of Ahab; for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to ...
/a/advisers.htm - 13k

Deputies (14 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/d/deputies.htm - 11k

Satraps (12 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/s/satraps.htm - 11k

Governors (43 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/g/governors.htm - 21k

Treasurers (5 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/t/treasurers.htm - 8k

Sheriffs (2 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/s/sheriffs.htm - 7k

Sherifs (2 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to convene the princes, the governors,
and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sherifs ...
/s/sherifs.htm - 7k

Plans (55 Occurrences)
... Ezra 4:5 and hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the
days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. ...
/p/plans.htm - 20k

Dedication (16 Occurrences)
... 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies,
and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs ...
/d/dedication.htm - 15k

Why is a multitude of counselors valuable (Proverbs 15:22)? | GotQuestions.org

How do I choose a good Christian counselor/therapist? | GotQuestions.org

When should a Christian couple seek marriage counseling? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus