Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“Where there is no COUNSEL, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”– Proverbs 11:14

There is a critical leadership dimension to INSIGHT for IMPACT: “Where there is no COUNSEL, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Pro.11:14). The Message Bible says, “Without GOOD DIRECTION, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” A team, group of people, organization, community or nation can fall without wise leaders, implying that insightful leadership creates positive impact. This highlights the crucial need to seek and obtain wise counsel from others, to avoid downfall and make sound decisions, essentially emphasizing the strength found in community and varied viewpoints when navigating life’s challenges.

God inspired Solomon to write Proverbs to teach men to be wise. One interesting way that biblical truth is translated into easily assimilated lessons, is through ‘Antithetic Parallelism” or ‘Contrasting Parallelism.” Good contrasts with evil, right with wrong, wisdom with foolishness, righteousness with wickedness. In life’s pursuit, righteousness appears as a beacon that provides refuge from adversity. Verses 8 and 9 highlight the contrasting fates of the righteous and the wicked, reminding Believers of the value of integrity and moral convictions. In examining the dynamics of community life, the conduct of individuals greatly affects the well-being of their environment. Verse 13 emphasizes the virtues of keeping one’s words and being a person of Integrity who protects the reputation of others.

Leadership requires Insight. Leaders need to be insightful; knowing how to make decisions and evade pitfalls. Seeking and receiving the right Insight will ensure that sound decisions are made in times of crisis, and moral failures are resisted when temptation comes. We need God guiding us and others counselling us through the dangers lurking around. We must be alert, vigilant, and attentive. We must possess a sober, cool, calm, and collected mind in order to be delivered from the one who seeks to devour. We are counselled to not make life’s critical decisions without consulting a variety of wise leaders who are not personally, emotionally, or financially involved. If we desire to grow in wisdom, we must jettison selfish motives and replace them with insight from wise counsellors. We need counselors, guidance, and safety.

People need the guidance and leadership insight of the Holy Spirit as well as of Godly leaders. Networking is vital. Partnership is power. We are encouraged to be open to godly insight and counsel and not try to navigate life alone. Acknowledging that no one person has all the answers and actively seeking insight from others demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn. Moreover, when we share our ideas and plans with significant others, we are more likely to be held accountable for our choices, decisions, and actions. Of course, while seeking counsel is important, we must evaluate the advice given and decide what aligns with our core values, God’s Word and God’s Will.