One of the most vital disciplines in the Christian life—especially in moments of decision, crisis, or confusion—is to seek wise counsel. Yet, if we’re honest, many of us resist doing so. We tell ourselves we’ll “figure it out” or “pray about it” in isolation, while avoiding godly voices that could speak life and clarity into our situation.
I’ve personally learned two truths the hard way: Better decisions are made when we invite wise, biblical counsel, but pride tempts us every time to avoid it.
The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings about the dangers of going it alone:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
— Proverbs 12:15
Rehoboam: A Cautionary Tale
We see this truth painfully illustrated in 2 Chronicles 10. After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam succeeded him on the throne. When the people of Israel asked for relief from the heavy burdens Solomon had placed on them, Rehoboam faced a pivotal leadership decision.
He first consulted the seasoned elders who had advised his father, and they counseled him to serve the people with kindness and humility. But Rehoboam didn’t like that answer. He turned to his younger peers—those who flattered him and echoed his own desires. They urged him to respond with even harsher demands to assert his strength. Rehoboam chose their counsel.
The result? A split kingdom, deep unrest, and a legacy of brokenness. All because pride distorted his judgment.
How Pride Warps Our View of Seeking Wise Counsel
Rehoboam’s mistake wasn’t unique to kings. We all face the same inner resistance to godly input. Here are three ways pride often deceives us:
1. We underestimate our ignorance.
Pride can lead us to be overconfident in our understanding. It tells us we “already know what we’re doing” or that no one else could understand our situation. But Proverbs 28:26 warns us clearly:
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
2. We fear appearing weak.
Asking for advice requires humility, and humility can often be perceived as a sign of weakness. Pride whispers, “What will they think of me if I admit I don’t have it all together?” Yet Scripture reminds us that God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6), and strength often comes through confession and vulnerability.
3. We only want the counsel that agrees with us.
If we do seek input, we often cherry-pick voices that affirm what we’ve already decided. That’s not seeking wisdom—it’s seeking permission. But godly counsel challenges us, corrects us, and calls us higher.
The Humble Path Leads to Life
Jesus didn’t avoid speaking the truth to His disciples, but He always did so with grace. He modeled what it looks like to love someone enough to say the hard thing. As believers, we need to seek wise counsel from those who love God and love us enough to tell the truth in love—even when it hurts.
We need people in our lives who are grounded in Scripture, who walk with Jesus, and who are not afraid to speak truth. And we need the humility to listen.
💬 Call to Action:
If you’re wrestling with a decision, battling inner turmoil, or feel stuck in a spiritual fog—seek wise counsel. Reach out to a trusted pastor, mentor, or trained Christian counselor who will speak God’s truth in love and help you walk in light, not confusion. Don’t go it alone.
The Blessing of Seeking Wise Godly Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 tells us:
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
God designed us for interdependence, not independence. In the body of Christ, we are meant to build one another up, not isolate ourselves in decision-making. When we refuse wise counsel, we are not just being foolish—we are sinning. Pride is not a personality quirk; it is a barrier between us and God. And it keeps us from receiving the very wisdom that could save us from harm.
But when we humble ourselves and seek wise counsel, we place ourselves in the flow of God’s guidance. We honor Him not just with our prayers, but with our posture.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Go It Alone
Are you facing a hard decision today? Wrestling with a pattern of sin? Unsure what to do next?
Ask yourself:
Who in my life walks closely with Jesus and can help me see this clearly?
Am I resisting their input because I want control or fear correction?
Am I more concerned with being right or being wise?
Let Proverbs and the example of Rehoboam be your warning—and your invitation.
Seek wise counsel not just from anyone, but from those who love the Lord and will help you follow Him. It could change everything.
A Prayer for Humility in Seeking Counsel:
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve chosen pride over wisdom. Soften my heart to hear godly advice, even when it’s uncomfortable. Lead me to wise counselors who love You and speak Your truth. Help me walk in humility, not self-reliance. I want Your will above my own. May I be willing to listen, learn, and be led by You through the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
My name is Jane Perkins and I am a Licensed Christian Biblical counselor who is unafraid to provide answers and guidance from scripture. I offer ONLINE THERAPY in ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI. Please reach out, I’d love to hear your story.
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Seeking Help: Mental Health and Faith
In our Christian walk, asking for God’s guidance is important. If you need help with mental health and want to explore what God says about your struggles, contact a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who uses Biblical faith to guide you. Are You Ready Counseling, LLC. Contact Jane Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who integrates Biblical Faith and Counseling to address your mental health needs.
