Giving Wise Counsel

Introduction:

Have you ever had to tell somebody something that was hard to say but they needed to hear? We are going to look at some wisdom tonight that helps us understand how to give good counsel, even if it isn’t easy to give. Before we do that,

In the ancient world, the king possessed an incredible amount of power. He literally had the power of life and death. Kings could make some excellent decisions, but just like anyone, they were human and could also make some stupid decisions. Most kings had advisors or counselors to help them, but the king’s word was the ultimate authority.

God had established Israel’s monarchy to be similar to the nations around them with the king having the authority, but there was one difference. God was the ultimate authority, not the king. As such, God would send His spokesman to instruct the king and give counsel. That spokesman was called the prophet.

Whether it was a prophet or a counselor, giving the king instruction could be a little intimidating. Tonight, we will look at some wisdom that Solomon gives to the person who must give instructions to influential people in difficult circumstances. We are going to see that these principles apply to us in any situation where we need to give godly advice and say the difficult things that have to be said. Let’s take a closer look.

1. The Rarity of Wisdom (v.1)

Solomon begins by giving a proverb on the rarity of wisdom. The question is, “Who can explain the deep enigmas of life?” When we think we have things figured out and know the general way that things will work out regarding life in this world, we are dumbfounded by something that happens that we never saw coming. Much like what Solomon saw in where he said there was righteous man that perished in his righteousness and a foolish man that prospered in his foolishness, man doesn’t know the end of how things will turn out.

We would do well to look to God for wisdom since it is God that sees the beginning from the end and knows all things.

2. The Need for Exercising Wisdom (vv.2-5)

Two options for v.2

Obey the King

Guard your words

Hebrew word for keep is Shamar - meaning to guard. The second option seems more fitting, though it doesn’t exclude the first option, even given the immediate context of what Solomon writes.

A. Guard Your Words

Proverbs 21:23 ESV

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

B. Show Respect

These words here are also difficult to translate. Some scholars believe that the counselor has given advice that has angered the king or been rejected (Longman). Others address the manner in giving the king advice. Again, both can be in view. Either way, leaving the king’s presence was a tricky endeavor.

Haste to leave the king’s presence would show dissatisfaction or disloyalty - NBC

C. Take a Stand

The king could also request that his counselor join him in evil plans that he devised. In the case that the counselor is asked to join in, he must respectfully take his stand against evil.

Illustration: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel

This is the extreme case with the wording given in our passage, but it can be something less sinister that we must take a stand against. The literal translation is bad or evil thing. So simply put, this can be just a bad idea.

If this is the case, then what Solomon is advising against is being a “yes” man. That doesn’t mean we cause division or controversy. It simply means that we speak our opinion at the proper time in a respectful way. What good are counselors if they won’t speak the truth of what they think?

The bible says in :1:

Psalm 1:1 ESV

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

Psalm 1:1

3. The Limits of Wisdom and the Oppression of Rulers (vv.6-9)

A. Man’s Limited Wisdom (vv.6-7)

B. Man’s Limited Power and Oppression (vv. 8-9)

Theodicy - The problem of evil is a real problem. We lie in a fallen world that is broken. This is the reason for Solomon’s pessimistic attitude in the letter. As Christians who have the whole counsel of God’s Word, we know:

God is not the cause of evil

God grants free will to make bad choices

God uses those choices, either good or bad, to accomplish His purposes

Conclusion:

None of us live under a monarchy with a king that has this kind of power, so how do we apply this passage to our lives today?

All of us are called to give counsel to one another. Make sure that counsel is godly counsel.

Don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love

Be tactful in how you speak to other people. You catch more flies with honey.

Take a stand for the truth, no matter what it costs you.

Realize that only God knows the outcome of a matter.