The book of Proverbs offers timeless guidance for living in a way that honours God. In Proverbs chapter 10 and throughout the book, we find repeated emphasis on the value of receiving instruction and counsel. As Proverbs 10:8 states, “The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” God never intends for us to navigate life in isolation or to rely solely on our own understanding. He provides answers in His Word and places wise believers around us to help apply biblical truth to everyday decisions.
Seek Counsel Before You Trust Your Own Judgment
We must seek counsel before trusting our own judgement. The heart is deceitful, as Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, yet many act as though their ideas are flawless. Proverbs 12:15 declares, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Maturity in Scripture is marked by teachability, not independence. Proverbs 11:14 warns, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Without input from godly voices, we risk collapse or ruin, regardless of personal intelligence or Bible knowledge.
Proverbs 20:18 adds, “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” Even kings needed deliberate guidance in conflict, and we face spiritual battles in our homes and daily lives. Proverbs 13:10 contrasts pride with wisdom: “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Pride leads to conflict, while being well-advised brings wisdom. Proverbs 15:22 echoes this truth: “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 24:6 reinforces safety in counsel: “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
The most dangerous voice is often our own when unquestioned. Seek godly input before major decisions, not afterwards.
Receive Correction Instead of Resisting It
Next, receive correction instead of resisting it. Proverbs 12:1 states plainly, “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Rejecting correction reveals a deeper spiritual issue. Wisdom shows in how we respond to loving rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
A scorner goes further, as Proverbs 15:12 notes: “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” Such a person avoids those who offer help and hardens against truth. In contrast, Proverbs 19:20 instructs, “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” Correction shapes character for the future.
Proverbs 27:5-6 beautifully captures the value: “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” True love speaks up to prevent harm. How we respond to correction reveals whether we are wise or foolish.
Let God’s Word Shape Your Thinking and Direction
Let God’s Word shape your thinking and direction. Proverbs 13:13-14 warns, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” Rejecting Scripture is dangerous, while revering it brings life and protection.
Proverbs 18:15 observes, “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” Proverbs 16:20 promises blessing: “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” True wisdom flows from submission to God’s instructions, not mere intuition or experience.
Submit Your Plans to the Lord, Not Just Your Prayers
Submit your plans to the Lord, not just your prayers. Proverbs 16:1-4 explains, “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits… Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
Proverbs 19:21 assures, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” God’s counsel endures. Proverbs 21:1-2 adds, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”
Yield decisions to God rather than seeking blessing on predetermined choices. Hold plans loosely and trust Him to establish what aligns with His best.
Guard Your Heart Against Naivety and Self-Confidence
Guard your heart against naivety and self-confidence. Proverbs 14:15 cautions, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” The simple accept ideas without discernment, while the prudent evaluate carefully.
Proverbs 22:3 states, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 28:26 warns, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Unguarded trust or blind self-reliance leads to harm. Test counsel against God’s Word and avoid naively following trends or others’ successes.
Pursue Wisdom as a Lifelong Discipline
Pursue wisdom as a lifelong discipline. Proverbs 17:3 describes, “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” God refines us through trials to purify motives and habits.
Proverbs 20:5 likens counsel to “deep water,” requiring effort: “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 23:22 urges respect for elders: “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Wisdom grows through patient application of Scripture, godly input, and lifelong openness to growth.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Walking wisely before God means welcoming His Word, godly counsel, and correction while submitting every plan to His sovereign will. May we pursue this path diligently, trusting that His ways lead to life and safety.
Conclusion
True wisdom begins with humility before God and openness to His provision of Scripture and godly people. By seeking counsel early, receiving correction graciously, grounding decisions in the Bible, yielding plans to the Lord, guarding against naivety, and pursuing growth over a lifetime, we position ourselves to walk securely in His direction. Let us commit to this journey, knowing the counsel of the Lord shall stand.
