The Consequences of Ignoring Wise Counsel: A Kingdom Perspective

My husband and I watched a television series about strangers stuck in a peculiar town with no way out. One of the characters somehow escapes but is returned to this unusual place. The people had a town hall meeting to discover how she got out and mysteriously appeared back home to her original dwelling. One of the characters ignored the sheriff’s pleas for the townspeople to refrain from making hasty decisions. The short of the story is that the anxious character took matters into his own hands and cost him his life. His decision resulted in him being stuck in the wall of a pool.

We can receive insight from the Lord while walking, doing chores, talking with friends, and in this scenario, watching a show. The Lord shared with me that we, His children, behave in the same manner. We become uneasy and ignore His guidance.

In our walk with Christ, we are often faced with decisions that require wisdom and discernment. The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who either thrived by heeding wise counsel or suffered by neglecting it. Ignoring sound advice can have dire consequences, not just for us individually but for the Kingdom work God has called us to do. In this blog post, we will explore why failing to listen to wise counsel is detrimental from a Kingdom perspective.

The Importance of Wise Counsel

Proverbs 11:14 KJV tells us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” The Word of God clarifies the importance of seeking guidance from those who are seasoned in faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, and aligned with God’s purposes. This is not just a suggestion for a better life; it is a Kingdom principle that ensures safety, growth, and effective ministry.

God has designed the body of Christ to function interdependently. No one is meant to carry the burden of decision-making alone. Ignoring sound advice can cause us to disrupt this divine order, placing ourselves and others at risk. When we reject the advice that could point us in the direction of God’s desire, we drift aimlessly.

Biblical Example of Ignoring Sound Advice

One of the most well-known stories of ignored counsel is that of King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, in 1 Kings 12. After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam became king and faced a critical decision regarding the authority over Israel. The elders who had served his father advised him to lighten the burden on the people, but Rehoboam rejected their wisdom, choosing instead to follow the reckless advice of his peers. The result? The Kingdom was divided, and his rule was weakened.

This example teaches us that disregarding wise counsel can not only harm us personally but can have generational and Kingdom-wide consequences. Rehoboam’s refusal to heed godly advice led to the shattering of God’s chosen nation. Similarly, when we refuse to listen to wise counsel, we may not fully understand the ripple effects of our choices.

The Spiritual Consequences of Ignoring Counsel

From a Kingdom perspective, when we ignore wise counsel, we are ultimately disregarding God’s voice. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” God places people in our lives to help us discern His will, and by ignoring them, we risk making decisions that are out of alignment with His plan. This can lead to spiritual stagnation, missed opportunities for growth, and even harm to our witness.

The enemy is always looking for ways to isolate us. He knows that when we cut ourselves off from godly advice, we become more vulnerable to his attacks. Just as a lion preys on animals that stray from the herd, Satan targets those who separate themselves from godly counsel. Ignoring wise advice not only affects our decisions but can weaken our faith and effectiveness in Kingdom work.

Practical Steps to Heed Godly Counsel

1. Seek Out Wise Counselors: Surround yourself with mature believers who have a strong relationship with God and a track record of sound decision-making. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on the choices you make.
2. Pray for Discernment: Before making any major decisions, ask God for discernment. James 1:5 promises that God will give wisdom to those who ask. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and helps us filter out advice that is not from Him.
3. Be Humble and Teachable: Pride is often the reason we reject wise counsel. We must humble ourselves and be willing to accept correction. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
4. Evaluate the Source: Not all advice is godly advice. Measure the counsel you receive against the Word of God. Does it align with Scripture? Does it promote love, peace, and righteousness? If not, discard it.
5. Learn from Past Mistakes: Reflect on past decisions where you may have ignored wise counsel. What were the consequences? Use these experiences as motivation to be more attentive in the future.

Pause here and think about times you did not listen to the Holy Spirit or godly advice. Journal or write it down. What was the outcome of your decision?

Conclusion

In the Kingdom of God, ignoring wise counsel is not just an individual misstep—it can have far-reaching consequences. By disregarding the advice of those whom God has placed in our lives, we risk veering off course, not just in our personal lives but in our Kingdom mission. Let us take seriously the importance of godly counsel, always seeking wisdom from those who walk closely with God and aligning our decisions with His will. Only then can we truly fulfill our purpose in His Kingdom.

We all make mistakes, get off course, and may not always get things right. However, we are never alone and the Father helps us when we acknowledge Him. We are forever learning and growing.

Remember, where there is no counsel, the people fall, one translation states perish—but with godly advice, there is safety, strength, and success in the work of the Lord.

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