Wise Counsel

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..."

Intro: For our examination of wise counsel, we will use the First Mention Principle and look at the first time that counsel is mentioned in the Bible. 

Turn to Exodus 18:13-27 - the first time we see the word 'counsel' in the King James Bible. (vs. 19)   Notice the traits and trademarks of wise counsel.

            A. Wise Counsel is Unselfish - vs. 14 He recommended delegating responsibilities, but didn't want one himself.  He was just trying to help Moses.  We never see Jethro mentioned after chapt.18.

This was the same counsel that Rehoboam rejected in I Kings 12:7; if thou wilt be a servant; and wilt serve them; Wise counsel does not promote self; it thinks of others;

            B. Wise Counsel is Unbiased - vs. 17 He was honest and blunt in his judgment

• Proverbs 27:5  Open rebuke is better than secret love.
• Ecclesiastes 7:5  It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
• Titus 1:13  This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

            C. Wise Counsel is Uncompromising - vs. 18 - thou art not able to perform it alone

True, godly counsel tells you that you CAN'T; not that you CAN.  Godly counsel does not stress your ability, but rather your weakness and inabilities, in the flesh of course; not in Christ.

            D. Wise Counsel is Unwavering - vs. 19 "and God SHALL be with thee"; complete assurance

Godly wisdom is a source of strength, confidence, and courage.  Ungodly counsel provides doubt, discouragement and unrest.

• John 8:32 Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
• Romans 14:23  ...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
• 1 Timothy 2:8  I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

• 2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

            E. Wise Counsel is Understanding - it understands the seriousness of the situation; sober

                        1. Understands the importance of the laws and ordinances - vs. 20a

                        2. Understands the importance of walking in the right way - vs. 20b

                        3. Understands the importance of working in the work - vs. 20c

                        4. Understands the importance of being capable and strong - vs. 21a

                        5. Understands the importance of having the fear of God - vs. 21b

                        6. Understands the importance of being honest; knowing truth - vs. 21c

                        7. Understands the importance of being content; not greedy - vs. 21d

                        8. Understands the importance of being responsible - vs. 21e

                        9. Understands the importance of discernment - vs. 22