Key Verse: “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV)
Proverbs 1:1-6
1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon,
David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living,
for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes
and give our young people a grasp on reality.
There’s something here also for seasoned men and women,
still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate,
the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.
Reflection: (Proverbs 1:1)
Solomon, the third king of Israel, son of the great king David, reigned during Israel’s golden age.
When God said He would give him whatever he wanted, Solomon asked for an understanding mind (1 Kings 3:5-14).
God was pleased with this request.
He not only made Solomon wise but also gave him great riches and power and an era of peace.
Solomon built the glorious Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6) and wrote most of the book of Proverbs.
Reflection: (Proverbs 1:6)
Riddles were thought-provoking questions.
Proverbs 11:14
14 Without good direction, people lose their way;
the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.
Key Verse Reflection: (Proverbs 11:14)
A good leader needs and uses wise advisers.
One person’s perspective and understanding can be severely limited – such as not having all the facts or being blinded by bias, emotions, or wrong impressions.
To be a wise leader at home, at church, or at work, seek the counsel of others and be open to their advice.
Then, after considering all the facts, make your decision.
Proverbs 12:5
The thinking of principled people makes for justice;
the plots of degenerates corrupt.
Proverbs 15:22
22 Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail;
take good counsel and watch them succeed.
Reflection: (Proverbs 15:22)
People with tunnel vision – those who are locked into one way of thinking – are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options.
We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective.
Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience.
Build a network of advisers.
Then be open to new ideas, and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully.
Your plan will be stronger and more likely to succeed.
Proverbs 20:18
18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel,
then carry it out using all the help you can get.
Proverbs 24:5-6
5-6 It’s better to be wise than strong;
intelligence outranks muscle any day.
Strategic planning is the key to warfare;
to win, you need a lot of good counsel.
Reflection: (Proverbs 24:5)
The athlete who has wisdom – who assesses the situation and plans strategies – has an advantage over a physically stronger but unwise opponent.
We exercise regularly and eat well to build our strength, but do we take equal pains to develop wisdom and knowledge?
Because wisdom is a vital part of strength, it pays to attain it.
Reflection: (Proverbs 24:6)
In any major decision we make concerning college, marriage, career, children, etc., it is not a sign of weakness to ask for advice.
Instead, it is foolish not to ask for it.
Find good advisers before making any big decision.
They can help you expand your alternatives and evaluate your choices.