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The Role of Wisdom in Advice-Giving

Proverbs 12:15 declares, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” This foundational principle underscores the value of seeking and offering wise counsel. In Christian counseling, advice must be rooted in Scripture and guided by the principles of God’s Word. The Bible emphasizes that advice is not simply an exchange of opinions but a responsibility to offer truth and guidance that aligns with Jehovah’s will.

Proverbs 19:20 further instructs, “Listen to counsel and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Biblical advice aims to equip the counselee with wisdom that leads to growth and maturity, rather than creating dependence or fostering temporary solutions that lack a deeper spiritual foundation.

Advantages of Advice in Christian Counseling

When giving advice in Christian counseling, the counselor acts as a vessel for God’s truth. The counselee often seeks guidance during times of crisis or confusion. Isaiah 9:6 refers to Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor,” a reminder that counseling is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s compassion and wisdom.

One advantage of offering advice is that it can bring clarity to the counselee’s situation. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” By providing biblical advice, the counselor lifts up the counselee, offering direction and hope during times of difficulty. Counselors, however, must ensure that their advice remains biblically sound and does not rely on personal opinions or societal norms.

Additionally, Proverbs 27:9 highlights the value of godly counsel: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Christian advice brings encouragement, affirmation, and hope to those in need, fostering trust and openness in the counseling relationship.

The Danger of Dependency

While advice has its place in counseling, it carries the risk of creating unhealthy dependency. Scripture calls for spiritual growth and maturity, urging believers to develop their own understanding of God’s will. Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes this progression: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Over-reliance on advice from a counselor can stunt this growth, preventing the counselee from maturing in their faith.

Counselors must resist the temptation to solve every problem for the counselee. Galatians 6:5 reminds believers, “For each will have to bear his own load.” This verse points to the importance of personal responsibility and spiritual independence. Counselors should focus on equipping the counselee with tools and biblical principles that empower them to make decisions grounded in faith.

Avoiding the Pitfall of Subjectivity

One challenge in advice giving is maintaining objectivity. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Both the counselor and the counselee are susceptible to bias and self-deception. For this reason, Christian counselors must rely on Scripture as the ultimate standard for truth and guidance.

Proverbs 18:17 provides a cautionary principle: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” In counseling, it is crucial to gather all relevant information before offering advice. This ensures that the guidance provided is informed, fair, and reflective of biblical truth rather than personal bias or incomplete understanding.

The Importance of Listening

James 1:19 teaches, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Listening is a critical component of Christian counseling. Before giving advice, the counselor must fully understand the counselee’s situation, emotions, and perspective. This demonstrates respect and compassion, creating an environment where the counselee feels heard and valued.

Proverbs 20:5 highlights the wisdom of drawing out a person’s thoughts: “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Counselors must ask thoughtful questions and engage in active listening to help the counselee articulate their concerns and discover solutions guided by biblical principles.

Advice as a Reflection of Scriptural Truth

Effective Christian counseling relies on the authority of Scripture. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Counselors should ensure that their advice reflects the teachings of the Bible, guiding the counselee toward a deeper relationship with Jehovah. This approach aligns with 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

When offering advice, counselors should point the counselee to specific biblical passages that address their concerns. For example, a person struggling with anxiety may find comfort and direction in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to encourage spiritual growth and conformity to Christ’s likeness. Romans 8:29 reminds believers, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Advice should focus on fostering this transformation, helping the counselee grow in faith, wisdom, and obedience to God’s Word.

Counselors should guide the counselee toward prayer and Scripture study as essential disciplines for spiritual growth. Colossians 3:16 urges believers, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” By grounding their lives in Scripture, counselees can develop the discernment and strength needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Balancing Encouragement and Accountability

Christian counselors must balance encouragement with accountability. Galatians 6:1-2 provides a framework for this approach: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Advice should be delivered with gentleness and compassion, yet it should also hold the counselee accountable to biblical standards.

Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement within the body of Christ: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Counseling provides an opportunity to foster this type of encouragement, helping the counselee pursue righteousness and faithfulness.

Conclusion on the Role of Advice

Advice in Christian counseling must be biblically grounded, thoughtful, and delivered with humility. It is a tool for guiding the counselee toward spiritual growth, maturity, and reliance on Jehovah. By adhering to scriptural principles and maintaining a focus on God’s glory, counselors can provide guidance that aligns with the ultimate purpose of counseling—to glorify God and edify His people.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).