12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
The youth, children, actually just about the whole population today seem to think that they know everything. Teens are automatically labeled as rebellious, songs are sung on the great themes of "it's my life" and "I'm gonna do it my way," in the home parents are training "free thinkers" in all the wrong ways. Counsel is despised and thoughtlessly rejected. And we wonder why society is crumbling around us. "Where no counsel is, the people fall..."
As adults and young adults, we can no longer rely completely on the advise of our parents - they cannot make decisions for us. Ultimately, the decision is up to us to be made together with God.
However, God has also provide a wealth of counsel which He intends for us to consult. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Rev 1:3) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..." (Colossians 3:16) "But be ye doers of the word..." (James 1:22) God's word is the purest and highest standard of counsel we have. What a blessing to have access to words directly inspired and actually spoken by the King of Kings! I think that if we truly comprehended the weight of these words and the sacrifices made in order for us to hold the Bible in our hands, we would treat it differently.
To be used in conjunction with the Bible and God's inspired word, is counsel from godly men and women of standing. When Solomon died and his son Rehoboam "reigned in his stead," the new king asked counsel of his father's "old men." Sadly and detrimentally, "he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men which had grown up with him..." (1 Kings 12:8) This decision resulted in a nation-wide rebellion and the new king lost a good portion of his kingdom to his rival.
It is good to ask advise of peers - sometimes they will see an issue from a different angle and help you regard it from a fresh perspective. But it's the wise counsel of the older and experienced who have been in your situation before and can view it in retrospect which is precious like silver. "My son, hear the instructions of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." (Prov 1:8)
Above all else, keep your heart open and your mind clear to receive wisdom directly from the Throne of God. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide the with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
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