Day 11

Counsel and Instruction

from the Proverbs reading plan


Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 4:13, Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 12:15-16, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 19:20

BY She Reads Truth

The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.

On a purely intellectual level, the concepts of seeking counsel, remaining teachable, and exploring what we do not understand make perfect sense. But because we are proud, our hearts often tense up at the suggestion that we have much to learn. The way of wisdom is about more than simply obtaining new information. It’s about living as part of a community where we gladly regard one another as valuable. 

Reflection Questions:

What does it look like to walk with wise people (Proverbs 13:20)? How is this something you are doing, or could do, in your life? 

How do you react when people try to tell you what you should do? How do you react to a command from God that you’re not particularly fond of? 

Think about the people who have counseled and instructed you. Are you becoming someone who has counsel and instruction to give? Is there anyone in your life right now who needs your wisdom, experience, or counsel? 

Post Comments (41)

41 thoughts on "Counsel and Instruction"

  1. Leonie says:

    I can appreciate when my uncle’s and aunties will give me advice because they’re looking from the outside in a nd are able to offer an outside perspective. I am always really open to hearing from them. Whereas my mother’s delivery is always quite haughty and flippant so that impacts me taking it in.

  2. Brandy Deruso says:

    My grandparents and uncle were mentors and i thank god for the foundation.

  3. L V says:

    I’m really really thankful I have someone in my life who I can message or talk to who is wise and understands me. Maybe I’ll message her today. I miss seeing her often but it’s nice knowing she’s just a message away.

  4. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    I long for a woman who is wise council who can walk along beside me. I have never really had that.

    1. Sheryl Fox says:

      I understand. I’ve never had anyone like that either. But you see it all the time and wonder what It’s like.

  5. Jessie Pipp says:

    I think walking with the wise means having someone who is older, more mature in their faith be with you in different seasons in life. To learn from them, to hopefully be drawn closer to the Lord through it. Depending on who is telling me what to do, I may get defensive and prideful. Which I hate. But I feel conviction from the Lord. I know His instructions and commands are true and I should abide in them. I feel like I have wisdom to give. But I don’t know who would need it.

  6. Patty Quirk says:

    ❤️

  7. Jo Turnbull says:

    I am really thankful for having what I call a ‘church mum’ in each church I’ve been a member of over the last 15 years or so since I left home. God has been very good to me giving me ladies who love him and know his word and who have guided me through singleness, early marriage and the little children years. I hope God will give me friends for whom I can be their ‘church mum’ one day and the wisdom that these ladies have shown me!

  8. Sarah H says:

    I love what you’ve said about hoping your children can say they saw Jesus in you. Beautiful. Praying that my young son can say that one day too.

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