Proverbs 15:22 "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
Sometimes, we don't know which way to turn and then it seems other times we
feel we have all the answers. There are other times when it seems that
everything we attempt to do takes a wrong turn. The overall question that
I have on my heart this morning is this, "How important is it to surround
ourselves with people who love us and are able to give good advice?"
How important is it then to listen to others, whether we follow them or
not? "Without counsel (proper instruction) purposes are
disappointed." We need proper instruction in order to prevent
failure of those things we attempt to do in our lives. "In the multitude
of counsellors they are established." The idea given in this verse is that
we should be willing to sit down and ask questions and also listen to the
answers given. There is no one person on the face of the earth who knows
everything. There are instances in the Bible where leaders were given proper
advice, but they went their own way, only to come against defeat. That still
happens in our modern day world. We need help in all matters of life. One of
the greatest acts of strength is to be able to say, "I need help."
In the very next verse, Solomon states, "A man hath joy by the
answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
(Proverbs 15:23) Notice the words in the second part of that verse, then
let's go to Isaiah to see a prophecy concerning our precious Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ. "The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that
I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." (Isaiah
50:4) There is One to Whom we can go and find proper direction in our lives....
His name is Jesus.
Let us be reminded of the good old hymn by J.B. Coats
Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?