BIBLE READING: 1KINGS 12-13, LUKE 24: 36-53
Memory Verse: “But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him“. 1 Kings 12:8 (KJV).
In the journey of life, one of the things one cannot do without is wise counsel. Man is limited in knowledge and capacity and as such, needs guidance as he journeys through life. We are advised in Proverbs 19:20 (KJV) to “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end”. Proverbs 12:15 (KJV) says “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise”.
However, not all counsel is helpful. Sound counsel makes one wise and can help one to achieve greatness while negative counsel can bring destruction. Proverbs 12:5 (KJV) tells us that “The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit”. In our memory verse, the young king Rehoboam was faced with a huge opportunity to have the loyalty of the people for ever and he decided to seek counsel on how to respond to the people’s request for good leadership. The elders who served his father advised him on how to respond but he chose to listen to the young men who grew with him and that cost him the kingdom.
Before taking that major decision, prayerfully seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit. God can also speak through His tested and trusted servants, especially the elderly ones amongst them. When you receive sound counsel and utilize it, you become wiser. Do not say “I do what I like and take advice from no one”. That path leads to destruction. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) says “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.“
Prayer: Father, please give me the grace to seek counsel from you, and help me to heed sound counsel.
Pastor Chika Nnamdi Ifeanacho