The Counselors' Dilemma

Day Thirty-Two

The Counselors' Dilemma (Read Proverbs 12:15-28)

"No person is so foolish, but they may sometimes give another good counsel, and no person so wise that they may not easily err if they take no counsel other than their own. Those who are taught only by themselves have a fool for a master." ~ Hunter S. Thompson

The dichotomy between wisdom and folly often plays a dramatic pattern in literature and philosophy, particularly in biblical texts and proverbs. The introductions of various scriptural works vividly represent characters, notably the teachable wise and the know-it-all fool. These two archetypes embody contrasting responses to wise counsel—a fundamental aspect of human collaboration and personal growth. While the wise are willing to listen, learn, and adapt, the fool rebelliously clings to their twisted perceptions and delusional subconscious and rejects the truth.

Where do you seek wise counsel, if at all? If you are resistant to seeking wise counsel, why? What are you afraid of, the truth? The truth will set you free, and you will never discover the truth by counseling yourself. Why? Because you are emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially dependent and invested in yourself, you can't see yourself for what you indeed are and, therefore, lost. If you counsel yourself, then you have a fool for a counselor.

¹⁵ Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

¹⁶ A fool is quick-tempered,
    but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

¹⁷ An honest witness tells the truth;
    a false witness tells lies.

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

¹⁹ Truthful words stand the test of time,
    but lies are soon exposed.

What resources are available for seeking wise counsel? Wise counsel can come from many sources, including people, e.g., therapists, social workers, pastors, physicians, mentors, coaches, sponsors, etc. Other sources include, but are not limited to, the Bible, books, podcasts, lectures, sermons, prayer, fasting, and, of course, YouTube. 

"This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. And if the fixed stars are the centers of other like systems, these, being formed by the like wise counsel, must be all subject to the dominion of One, especially since the light of the fixed stars is of the same nature as the light of the sun." ~ Isaac Newton

Sir Issac makes a great point; if a person were to seek wise counsel, why not seek it from the one who created everything? That One is God; may you find him now. 

Principally speaking, wise counsel must involve another trusted person, not just the research and self-application of information obtained from one of the many sources listed above. Your natural tendency to fabricate or elaborate on the truth and the inability to see yourself for what you are is due to the human ego (every human being has one).

A wise counselor who is not emotionally or financially invested in your life can listen, relate, and share experience, strength, and hope, which equates to wisdom. The human ego is complex and always needs to look a little cleaner than it is, better or worse off than everyone else; wise counsel helps us see ourselves for what we have become. The wisdom to know the difference and freedom from bondage becomes plausible during this bilateral exchange.

³¹ Jesus told the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-22 ).

If you legitimately wish to experience the truth, a face-to-face conversation with wise counsel is necessary because it helps ensure you have been honest with God, yourself, and another human being. What are you waiting for? Make the call and schedule the appointment TODAY! If you are already seeking wise counsel, contact your source and express your gratitude because you are on the freedom journey and experiencing God's promises. 

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.