20 Bible Verses About "Counsel"

Seeking wise counsel is a common theme throughout the Bible. Whether you’re making life decisions or navigating challenges, it’s essential to know where to turn for guidance. God offers His wisdom through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and trusted individuals who walk with Him. Understanding biblical counsel helps us make choices aligned with God’s will and grow in our faith.

The word "counsel" comes from the Latin consilium, meaning advice or guidance. In the Bible, counsel is often tied to wisdom, understanding, and the voice of the Lord guiding us. The following Bible verses highlight the importance of seeking counsel and wisdom from God and His people.

1. Proverbs 12:15
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
This verse reminds us that we are not always able to see things clearly on our own. Wise counsel allows us to make better decisions and avoid mistakes.

2. Proverbs 11:14
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
Having a variety of godly voices to guide us gives us wisdom and protection. Surround yourself with trustworthy advisors who can offer perspective and discernment.

3. Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established."
When we lack wise advice, our plans can fail. Counsel helps us build strong, lasting foundations for our actions.

4. Proverbs 19:20
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."
Taking advice and learning from others' experiences helps us grow in wisdom and prepare for the future.

5. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
God’s counsel is perfect. This verse encourages us to trust Him completely for guidance in all areas of life, knowing that He will lead us in the right direction.

6. Psalm 1:1-2
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Choosing godly counsel is essential. We are called to avoid ungodly advice and instead focus on God's Word for true wisdom.

7. Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
This passage highlights the importance of seeking God’s counsel rather than relying on our limited understanding. God’s wisdom is far beyond ours.

8. Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
God has a plan for our lives. Seeking His counsel ensures we are aligned with His will, and we can trust that He leads us toward peace. 

9. Proverbs 20:18
"Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war."
Before making major decisions, especially difficult ones, wise counsel is necessary to ensure our plans will succeed.

10. Proverbs 24:6
"For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety."
This verse emphasizes that good advice is crucial in every decision. Whether in life or conflict, it’s wise to seek counsel from trusted sources.

11. Exodus 18:21-22
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee."

Moses was advised by Jethro to delegate wise counsel in managing the people. This teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise individuals who can help carry the burden of decision-making.

12. Proverbs 27:9
"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
True friends give counsel that is sweet, helpful, and uplifting. We should cherish and seek out friends who offer godly advice.

13. Job 12:13
"With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding."
God is the ultimate source of wisdom and counsel. When we seek His guidance, we are assured of receiving both wisdom and strength.

14. Psalm 33:11
"The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
God's counsel is unchanging and eternal. We can trust that His advice remains true and reliable for every generation.

15. Luke 7:30
"But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him."
Rejecting God's counsel leads to spiritual loss. It’s crucial to accept His guidance to stay in alignment with His will.

16. 1 Corinthians 6:5
"I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for failing to seek wise counsel among believers. It’s important to seek godly wisdom from those who are spiritually mature.

17. James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
God generously offers wisdom to all who ask. When in doubt, seek His counsel in prayer, and He will guide you.

18. Proverbs 2:6
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
God is the source of all true wisdom. His counsel is perfect, and we are invited to seek it continually.

19. Ecclesiastes 7:5
"It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools."
Wise counsel often involves correction. We are encouraged to embrace advice from those who speak truth, even when it’s difficult.

20. Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Wisdom is the most important thing to seek. Counsel from God and others helps us grow in wisdom and understanding.

Conclusion

In life, we are constantly faced with decisions, some of which can be difficult and overwhelming. In these moments, seeking counsel from God and others who are grounded in His Word is not just wise, it is essential. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of seeking guidance, not only from our own limited understanding but from the eternal wisdom that comes from God. 

As we learn from these Scriptures, godly counsel is available to us in many forms, from the wisdom found in the Bible to the loving advice of fellow believers. It’s a reminder that we are not meant to navigate life alone. Wisdom is a gift from God, and He generously provides it to those who seek it

If you are looking for more ways to deepen your understanding of God’s Word and receive practical tools to help you in your spiritual journey, we invite you to explore our Bible Study Club for a community of support and encouragement. For further study, our Bible Study Planner and Bible Study Toolkit are available to help you organize your time with God and make the most of His guidance in your life. 

Remember, God’s counsel will always lead us toward a life full of purpose, peace, and His perfect will. Let us continue to seek Him daily and trust that He will guide us with His wisdom, no matter the challenges we may face.