Digging Wells: The Well of Godly Counsel

There are many wells the Lord has given us to draw from so that we may live strong and fruitful lives. One of these is the well of Godly counsel and relationships. If we neglect this well, we run the risk of living by what seems right in our own eyes — which the Bible tells us is the way of a fool.

Cindy Jacobs, in her book Reformers Arise, explains how the Age of Enlightenment introduced a worldview that exalted human reason above God’s truth. She writes that rationalism became the test for truth, and anything in Scripture that could not be explained was cast aside. The result was a society where morality became relative and selfishness the highest value.

We see the fruit of that today. Personal feelings have become the basis for decision-making. Even God-given sexuality is being redefined by what a person “feels.” When each of us becomes the final authority, it can only lead to chaos.

Redwoods, the tallest trees in the world, stand strong because they are rooted together.

But when we make the Bible our plumb line, we walk in peace and freedom. God’s Word is always our starting place. Yet Scripture itself tells us that counsel from other believers is part of His design. Proverbs 12:15 says,

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” 

In other words, we are called to go directly to Jesus and to seek His truth in the Word, but He also gives us the wisdom of others to help confirm and apply that truth.

God never intended us to walk alone. He has placed us in families — both natural and spiritual — so that we may grow together in His ways. Consider the redwoods and sequoias. Redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, and sequoias are the widest. They are the largest living things on the planet, yet neither of them survives by having deep tap roots. Instead, their roots spread wide and intertwine with the roots of neighboring trees. It is this hidden network that gives them the strength to withstand storms and reach such magnificent size.

The same is true for us. There is strength when our roots intertwine with others in Christ. Scripture gives several clear examples:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)

Even in life’s struggles, linked lives give stability and strength.

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12–14)

When we work together, each of us functioning in our God-given role, we operate as He intended.

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)

Godly counsel is only valuable if we are willing to listen, receive guidance, and apply it in our lives.

Everyone needs wise counsel throughout life. Wise people seek it and gladly receive it. Fools ignore it, even when it is offered.

Let us choose to draw deeply from this well — linking arms with brothers and sisters in Christ, quick to seek wisdom, and willing to learn from the Godly relationships He has blessed us with.