October 21
The Joy of
Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Daily Steps
A core aspect of the Practical Life of Wisdom (Day 292) is recognizing that we cannot navigate life alone. This verse assures the new believer that one of the surest fruits of wisdom is success—and that success is found not in self-reliance, but in the humility (Day 280) to seek and follow wise counsel.
The peace in this principle is found in shared success:
The Formula for Failure: The warning is clear: Plans fail for lack of counsel. Trying to make major decisions based only on our own limited understanding (Day 286) or subjective feelings is the path of the foolish builder (Day 289). Self-reliance leads to disappointment and the chaos of disorder (Day 290).
The Path to Success: The promise for the wise person is absolute: but with many advisers they succeed. This is the wisdom of integrity (Day 294) in action. It takes humility to admit our need for guidance and diligence (Day 292) to seek multiple, trusted, godly sources of advice (The Secret of Friendship, Day 232).
The Result is Trust and Joy: When we intentionally involve others in our major plans, it secures our peace (Day 222) by removing the immense burden of making critical decisions alone. The shared journey leads to success and the joy (Day 261) that comes from watching God's wisdom unfold through the community of faith.
Your peace is secured by shared success. Embrace the Fruits of Wisdom today by committing to never make a major decision in isolation. Actively seek out many advisers—godly friends, mentors, and church leaders—knowing that their wise counsel is the key to achieving and enjoying successful plans.
Reflective Question
What decision or plan are you currently facing that you have not yet sought counsel on? Who is one godly adviser you can reach out to today to share your plans and commit to listening to their wise counsel?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my pride and my tendency to rely on my own limited judgment. I thank You for the truth that with many advisers they succeed. I pray for the humility and diligence to seek wise counsel in every major area of my life. Secure my peace today in the shared success that comes from Your Wisdom of God flowing through my spiritual family. Amen.
