Proverbs 11:14 Counselors_
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 NKJV
The word counsel comes from a Hebrew word originally meaning “rope pulling” as in steering or directing a ship. It has come to mean steerage (as in the management of ropes) or figuratively as guidance, a plan, good advice, or wise counsel.
Another way to write this is “Where there is no rope pulling, the ship drifts, or worse it crashes, grounds or sinks.” Each of us need “management,” whether it be self-governance over personal habits, schedule, resources, or the responsibility of a family. Being a manager, I often hear employees say, “I could never be in management.” My response is “don’t look now, but you are.” We all manage something. In a broader context leadership is needed for any group of people wanting to accomplish or enjoy something together. And in each case this proverb applies. We must have individuals that steer the ship and govern effectively — even if that governor is me.
The word counselor in this context refers to someone who advises well, determines a matter, devises a plan, deliberates an issue to resolve it with purpose. But why many? Why not just one? Because there are different perspectives on every topic. Even in science and medicine one may work with a preponderance of evidence that points to a conclusion — it doesn’t guarantee it. When I was a newborn I was circumcised. That was the leading recommendation of pediatricians at the time. When my sons were born their doctor and the medical community recommended that they NOT be circumcised. Then, after more time and data, the pendulum has again swung toward circumcision —the health benefits outweigh any risks the procedure may pose. But when considering an option, I need to hear many voices. Today, I search the web, read the reviews, dig for information, but nothing beats a conversation with someone who knows. Every topic on this earth has someone who is an expert, or at least wants to be. What would they say? But as valuable as different perspectives are, there is safety when there is agreement among those sources that I trust the most.
Why is this important? The unique makeup of humans is that no man may be an island to himself. There are many introverts and antisocial people among us, but even those that prefer the company of themselves need interaction to be healthy, safe, and successful. The Father created us to be a community of people, self-governing, with accountability to Him. Our fallen nature has devolved men and women into a plethora of governance models — and laws, where in a very ideal world, only two are needed. And where men gather with a common purpose, we need each other and our “elders” or experienced ones to provide input on our choices. I love the picture of the body being a symbol of the collection of believers. So many different functions, systems, and laws that govern our biological frame, but the head is still in charge and has the ability to make a choice that puts that body in jeopardy, or to place the laws which govern it on hold. The head and the heart sometime can lead one away from safety — even to, for example, a brutal cross where my well-being was paid for.
Another important lesson from this verse is that humans are wired to learn. To hear counsel. To gather information, wisdom and perspectives. In the animal kingdom, creatures are governed solely by instinct that has been programmed by their creator into their DNA. But humans, on the other hand, learn by observing, being taught, and collecting and evaluating information (we love our data and analytics). Spiritually, we become what we see. We look to Jesus and are transformed into what we see. This unique trait of humans sets us apart in that at our core we have a choice about what we see and who we listen to. The source of the information we value is what differentiates. And think about it a moment. One of the most incredible gifts with which we may love our God is not performance or success, but simply the location at which we choose to gaze. What we listen to. What we value. That which we allow our person to become. Two twins may have exactly the same beginnings and genetics, but over the course of a life, the choices made and the person they become may be quite different. I want my gaze to be on Wonderful.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB