A Biblical Basis for Seeking Wise Counsel

I dedicate a good chunk of time each month to seeking wise counsel from other leaders who are more experienced, have greater knowledge and lead larger churches than our own. Here’s ten reasons why:

1. Proverbs 2:3 says “…cry out for insight and understanding…”
2. Proverbs 4:7 says “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!”
3. Proverbs 8:10 says “Choose instruction rather than silver, and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.”
4. Proverbs 12:15 says “Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.”
5. Proverbs 13:10 says “…those who take advice are wise.”
6. Proverbs 17:16 says “How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!”
7. Proverbs 18:15 says “Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them.”
8. Proverbs 19:8 says “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”
9. Proverbs 19:20 says “Get all the advice and instruction you can…”
10. Proverbs 23:12 says “Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge.”

If you lead anything, it is imperative that you regularly seek wise counsel. People who have already done whatever it is you’re looking to do…

1. Can share important lessons they learned when they did it
2. Can share mistakes they made, as well as tell you how you can avoid them yourself
3. Can provide answers to your questions
4. Can provide direction by telling you your next steps

Listen…when we fail to seek wise counsel the result is pain.

• You end up working extra hours
• You end up having to do things twice, instead of once
• You end up encountering all kinds of problems that could have easily been avoided
• You end up wasting money
• You end up wasting time
• You end up making mistakes that could’ve easily been avoided
• You end up frustrating those under your leadership
• And the list goes on (almost indefinitely)!!!

Personally, I like avoiding pain. Personally, I like being successful. That’s why personally, I am fanatical about seeking wise counsel.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: From your perspective, what holds leaders back from seeking wise counsel?

STAFF ANSWERS:

1. Pride – I want to come up with the answer myself. I’m smart so I don’t need the input of others.
2. Insecurity – I don’t want others to know that I don’t know the answer.
3. Laziness – I don’t want to seek wise counsel because I will learn something I need to put into practice and I don’t want more work (or to have to change).
4. Uncertainty – I don’t know who to turn to.
5. Busyness – I don’t have the time to slow down and do this. I have too much to do.