COUNSEL

ATRIPLE-BRAIDEDCORD

JEAN AND ALLEN were faced with an uncomfortable decision.

Jean’s brother and his wife had just moved to Florida from Chicago. Because they experienced financial difficulties in Chicago, the bank would not loan them the money to purchase a home unless they had someone to co-sign the note. They asked Allen and Jean to co-sign. Jean pleaded for Allen to do so; however, he was reluctant. When they came asking for advice to resolve this problem,

I asked them to read the verses from the Bible that addressed co-signing. When Jean read the passages she responded, “Who am I to argue with God? We shouldn’t co-sign.” Allen was relieved. Two years later, Jean’s brother and his wife were divorced and he declared bankruptcy. Can you imagine the strain on their marriage if they had co-signed that note?

They would not have been able to survive financially. Fortunately, they sought counsel. This is a sharp contrast to our culture’s practice that says, be a rugged individualist who makes Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one. ECCLESIASTES 4:9, LB decisions alone and unafraid, coping with any financial pressure in stoic silence. King Solomon dominated the world scene in his time. Known as “the first great commercial king of Israel,” he was a skilled diplomat and director of extensive building, shipping and mining ventures.

However, Solomon is most often remembered as the wisest king who ever lived. In fact, he made wisdom a subject of study. In Proverbs he wrote, “Wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her” (8:11). Solomon’s practical recommendations for embracing wisdom are also found in Proverbs: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (19:20, NIV). “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (12:15). WHERE SHOULD WE SEEK COUNSEL? The Bible encourages us to seek counsel from several sources.

Scripture The psalmist wrote, “Your laws are both my light and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24, LB). Moreover, the Bible makes this remarkable claim about itself: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword . . . and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). I have found this to be true. The Bible is a living book that our Lord uses to communicate His direction and truths to all generations.