Are you in a battle for your future? Maybe you are looking for entrance into a particular university. Perhaps, you are interviewing for a position at a new company. You could be in the midst of an important relationship decision. Where will you turn for help? Solomon taught: “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 24:5-6). Wise counsel is a significant component to discovering God’s next best step for our lives because wise words win wars. Solomon offered four guideposts for seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction for our future.

Wise counsel is guidance from the wise. When opportunities come our way, we need the counsel of more than one confidant in order to experience success: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). We must resist the desire to go it alone, usually from a longing for expediency or to retain the credit from any success for ourselves. Rather, we are called to seek a friend, mentor, family member, coworker, pastor, small group leader, business owner, or teacher for guidance, ensuring their wise counsel is consistent with Scripture.

Wise counsel is absent from the wicked. If they offer direction, we must beware of their deceptive trap: “The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful” (Proverbs 12:5). Self-serving clues entrenched in their words will help us discern their hidden motives. We must also beware of our selfish motive to follow their tainted advice. If either holds true, we should refuse their deceitful counsel and find another source of wisdom.

Wise counsel is successful when it comes from God. Solomon revealed: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30). When we receive wise counsel, we must remember the information we are receiving is merely advice. We are still accountable for our own decisions. Consequently, any wise counsel should be consistent with our Holy Spirit prompting regarding the topic at hand. His vision will be followed by His provision.

Wise counsel is sweet from a friend. Solomon illustrated: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend” (Proverbs 27:9 NASB). A true friend has our best interests at heart, so we can rely on their guidance.

Seek wise counsel before making your next major decision. Become a rapid Holy Spirit responder. Take every choice to Him in prayer, listening for His prompting, which will be consistent with the Bible, true wise counsel, and the teachings of Christ. When all four components are in agreement, take your next best step with the Wise Counselor who dwells in you.

Episode 106: 30 Sayings of the Wise: Future from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.