Leadership: Got Counsel?

Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22, NASB)

The Folly of Godly Leadership

In part one of wise leadership, we discussed the wisdom of seeking a godly vision. Seeking a godly vision, we learned, is imperative for all leaders - whether they are leading in ministry, in business, or other ways.

Here’s another way godly leaders are leading with folly! They lead without seeking godly counsel.

These are the leaders who believe they know it all, can do it all, and they’re never wrong. They tend to be headstrong and forceful. Or, perhaps, they’re prideful or insecure. Even yet, they could be paranoid and distrustful. Believing that if they talk with anyone about their ideas they’re at risk for them being stolen or taken advantage of.

These are ways of being and beliefs that the world teaches. Competition, capitalism, and the pressure to be on top can make leaders self-isolate and guard the vision they have.

Leaders who want to have wisdom in their leadership are taking the time to seek a heavenly vision from God. But there’s still a risk for folly to occur! This is when the leader, after receiving the vision, fails to seek godly counsel to ensure they received the vision correctly and that they’re executing the vision in the right way.

The Wisdom of Godly Leadership

Proverbs 15:22 tells us that when we fail to seek consultation our plans are frustrated. They may not fail completely, but we will experience frustration, increased mistakes, and slower progress. Who wants that?

Most leaders want to avoid the folly that can cause their plans to go awry. We already know that seeking God for a heavenly vision helps with that. However, leaders must take the next step to also seek godly counsel.

In fact, wisdom teaches us that listening to those wiser than us gives us the benefit of their hard-won experience. Think about the stress that can be alleviated from a leader’s shoulders by avoiding mistakes learned by others. Think about the increased success a leader can experience by following successful tips provide by others.

Even decision-makes who are wise and capable need counselors. To not seek counsel is a sign of pride and arrogance we want to avoid. Some leaders fall into the trap of believing that as long as they make decisions with Jesus alone, they are glorifying God. This is a false belief!

Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. (Prov. 13:10, NASB)

Being overconfident in one’s ability to do it solo creates problems and it doesn’t glorify God. But wise leaders who seek counsel will ultimately bring more glory to God as we demonstrate how to work in community.

Our focal verse highlights that many counselors bring success. The ‘many’ is individualized based upon the person and the vision they’re seeking to execute. At times, ‘many’ may mean a couple. At other times, ‘many’ may mean more. But what’s important to connect is that different counselors bring different experiences, skills, knowledge, and wisdom. Leaders must seek diversity in their counselors.

Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in an abundance of counselors there is victory. (Prov. 11:14, NASB)

The abundance and community of counselors helps us have victory in achieving our goals and executing the visions God gives us. And not only victory, but also safety and security.

This isn’t solo work! God calls us to work in community and to be open to seeking out and receiving wise counsel from others.

In fact, the greater the decision, the bigger the vision, the greater the need a leader will have for counselors. So this is a matter of faith! Leaders must trust God enough to not only provide a vision, but to also provide the counselors to help the vision come into being.

Wise leadership calls for leaders to seek a heavenly vision and to seek wise counsel. Together, along with the leader’s faith, will ensure the plans set forth will succeed.

A special note about counselors:
Counselors can be coaches, mentors, consultants, family, or friends. We have all witnessed what it’s like for a leader to be surrounded by unwise, ‘yes’, counselors. The leader ultimately looks foolish. As you seek God for your heavenly vision, also seek Him for the wise counselors that will match the vision you have. They may vary from vision to vision, but God will always have counselors available for each vision He gives you.

A special note about counselors:

Counselors can be coaches, mentors, consultants, family, or friends. We have all witnessed what it’s like for a leader to be surrounded by unwise, ‘yes’, counselors. The leader ultimately looks foolish. As you seek God for your heavenly vision, also seek Him for the wise counselors that will match the vision you have. They may vary from vision to vision, but God will always have counselors available for each vision He gives you.

We know that Jesus is our ultimate Counselor! Listen to Eddie James Ministries sing about Him:

Weekly Power Shifts

Power Shift 1: What’s Keeping You Solo?

Reflection Question: Think about the vision God has given you. Who have you actually talked to about it? If the honest answer is “no one” or “not really,” what’s behind that? Is it confidence that you already know, pride, insecurity, or a fear that someone will take what’s yours?

Your Action Step: Write down the real reason you’ve kept the vision to yourself. Bring it to God in prayer and ask Him to deal with the root of it. Then, before the week ends, share one piece of the vision, or one decision you’re wrestling with, with a trusted, godly person.

Power Shift 2: Jesus and Counsel, Not Jesus Alone

Reflection Question: Have you treated “it’s just me and Jesus” as the more spiritual way to lead? Where has overconfidence in doing it solo led to frustration, repeated mistakes, or slower progress in your plans?

Your Action Step: Choose one plan or decision that feels frustrated right now. Before your next move, go to someone who has walked this road ahead of you and ask, “What do you wish you had known?” Listen more than you explain. Write down one piece of their hard-won wisdom and apply it this week.

Power Shift 3: Who’s at Your Table?

Reflection Question: Look at the people you go to for counsel. Do they bring different experiences, skills, knowledge, and wisdom? Or do they mostly agree with you? Is anyone at your table a “yes” counselor?

Your Action Step: Write the vision God has given you at the top of a page. Below it, list the people you currently seek counsel from, and note what each one brings. Then name the gap, such as finances, operations, spiritual discernment, or lived experience. Ask God to show you who He has already placed around you to fill it, and reach out to that person this week.

Download a free printable reflection with Power Shifts for the devotional: Leadership - Got Counsel - Weekly Reflection Guide.pdf

Lord, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate Counselor! We thank you for His blood, sacrifice, and ongoing work to lead and counsel us in all areas of life. As we seek to be leaders after your own heart, help us to seek the human counselors sent by you. Forgive us for our desire to be solo-leaders, making decisions and taking action on our own. Forgive us for when we don’t include You. And forgive us for when we’re closed to the people You send to help us. As we seek godly counselors, may you open our eyes, hearts, and minds to see them and receive what You share through them. May Wisdom guide us in the giving and receiving of counsel. May we walk in humility, knowing that this counsel is ultimately for our good. It is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!