Few would argue with the idea of having people in your life who can provide wise counsel when faced with a decision. Proverbs calls the person who does not seek counsel a fool.
Proverbs 12:15 (NASB) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
So you know you need counselors in your life, but what should you look for in your counselor? First, be wise in how much influence you give any person in your life. Their worldview should be biblical and they should be a person who makes good decisions.
Seek counsel from God. I know it seems obvious, but we sometimes miss the obvious.
Proverbs 19:20 (NASB) Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. 21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of the Lord, it will stand.
When faced with a decision, ask God to help you know what to do. If it is a big decision, then spend some time asking God to reveal the right path. Prayer, Bible study, and meditation on Scripture can provide great insight.
Listen to your spouse. God has placed this person in your life, your lives are yoked together, and they have a vested interest in your success.
Proverbs 31:10 (NASB) An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
Listen to the counsel of your friends. Assuming your friends have your best interest in mind (see below), they should be able to provide insight into your decisions.
Prov 27:9 (NASB) Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. 10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, And do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.
Listen to people who will tell you the truth. Too many people only want to hear what will make them feel good and not be confronted with the truth. Denying reality will lead to terrible decisions. Only seek advice from people who love you enough to be honest with you.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but [wanting] to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.
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