Wise Counsel

After practicing on my own for decades I recently joined a firm. I have been enjoying that experience. One of the great benefits is having others to counsel on difficult issues. The lack of that was one of the toughest things about solo practice.

It’s also one of the reasons Jesus stressed that following Him is a group activity. It so easy to stray when we are on our own. What may seem God-inspired may just be a personal wish. Others can often see the difference when we can’t.

There is, of course, a danger when seeking advice on our plans and ideas from others. We have to make sure the advice we are getting is wise. Here are some hints on getting W I S E advice.

W – Willing. Seek advice from those willing to share and to share honestly. The best advice often comes not from those who have succeeded but from those who have failed. We need to learn from failure and its a lot easier to learn from failures of others than having to go through falls ourselves. Someone who has learned from their successes and their failures is an incredibly valuable resource. 

I – Inspired. You want to seek advice from those who realize that they themselves need to seek guidance from a higher source. You don’t want to substitute another man’s “wisdom” for your own. Learn from what God has shown others.

S – Secure – You want to make sure that your counselors will keep your thoughts and ideas private. The best counsel will include your ability to be completely open with the counselor about your own uncertainties and concerns. A good counselor wants you to succeed as much as you do.

E – Experienced – Seek advice from those who have traveled the same road. Scripture often stresses the importance of experienced and, yes, aged counsel. Age doesn’t make someone automatically wiser, but it increases the likelihood that there is experience from which wisdom might have grown. The grayer and, yes lesser, hair may cover the wisest heads.

So when it seems your road is reaching a fork or you think you may have made a wrong turn, seek some WISE counsel.