Advice: Guidance, Counsel, and Suggestion

Advice plays a vital role in shaping our decisions and direction in life. While human wisdom has value, the most reliable guidance comes from God, our Creator. Through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s illumination, we are directed in the way we should go. This article explores the biblical foundation of seeking and giving advice, and how to apply it wisely in everyday life.

Divine Guidance: The Foundation of Wise Counsel

The best advice we can receive comes from God. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Life is too complex to navigate alone, and we are reminded in Jeremiah 10:23 that we cannot direct our own steps. Yet God promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Ps 32:8). Therefore, our posture must be one of humility and obedience—praying, “Show me your way, O Lord” (Ps 25:4,5,9,12).

When facing uncertainty, we must avoid acting hastily. Acts 5:35–39 illustrates the wisdom of allowing time and divine oversight to reveal the right course. We are also called to seek insight from mature believers who have walked with God longer (Job 8:8–10). Their experience, grounded in Scripture, provides valuable perspective.

God often uses ordinary means to guide us—through His Word, the counsel of others, peace in our hearts (Col 3:15), and open or closed doors (Acts 16:6–10). We must remain sensitive to His leading, not relying solely on feelings or circumstances, but testing everything against the truth of Scripture.

Human Counsel: Seeking and Giving with Wisdom

Biblical wisdom emphasizes the value of multiple perspectives: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22, 20:18, 24:5–6). When seeking advice, we should be open to input

In major matters humbly ask for the advice and insight of more mature godly people

from others (1 Chr 13:1; Job 6:24; Prov 19:20), while carefully evaluating whether it aligns with Scripture and is realistic.

Not all advice is equal. Proverbs warns against following the counsel of the wicked (Prov 1:10–15) and encourages us to listen to those who fear the Lord (Ps 34:11). We must discern whether the advice promotes godliness, integrity, and faith, or if it leans toward compromise, pride, or self-interest.

When giving advice, we must first seek to understand the other person’s situation (Prov 3:5–6). Our counsel should be honest and balanced—neither overly optimistic nor unduly negative—so it remains practical and helpful. True wisdom does not manipulate or control, but gently guides, allowing the individual to come to their own conviction.

Sometimes, people do not need advice at all, but a listening ear or a safe space to process their thoughts. Yet when God’s Word speaks clearly to an issue, we are responsible to offer firm, loving correction, pointing to His truth and the examples of others (Prov 27:5–6).

We must also be cautious not to impose our personal preferences as divine directives. Advice should be offered humbly, recognizing that the other person must make their own decision before God.

Do I follow my own advice?

Our goal is not to control outcomes, but to help others walk in wisdom and faith.

Advice is not a command, but a suggested course of action. The final decision rests with the individual. Our role is to offer wisdom in love, always pointing back to God’s Word. To receive His blessing, we must walk in His ways.

Reflection and Application:

Am I consistently seeking God’s guidance through Scripture and prayer before making decisions?
Do I humbly consult mature believers when facing important choices?
When giving advice, am I listening well and offering balanced, biblically grounded input?
Do my words and actions align, so that my life reflects the counsel I give to others?