A man's heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
In addition to instruction, the wise man is in need of guidance in preparation for making plans and decisions. Guidance is also available from God, from parents, and from wise counselors and friends. Solomon sought the guidance of God and the counsel of men on many occasions; he shared the principles of decision making with the wise.
Divine guidance is available to those who trust God to provide it, and who expect it to accompany wise planning. In addition to His Word, God guides through circumstances and the inner perceptions of the heart. For the godly man who has wisdom, this guidance is reliable; fools fail to receive or perceive it.
Wise parental guidance also is of great value. It promises such benefits as longevity, peace, life, health, discretion, and knowledge. It warns of the dangers of drinking, and it recommends righteousness.
Counselors and friends may provide guidance, but wisdom and counsel must be mutual partners; and multiple counsel provides a measure of safety. Friendly counsel brings delight to the heart, but the more valuable counsel may need to be drawn form the deep wells of thoughtful reserve.
Counsel from the ungodly is unreliable and unwise, and any counsel against God is powerless and doomed to failure. Wise men seek sound guidance before making plans and decisions.
But the Lord directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
In addition to instruction, the wise man is in need of guidance in preparation for making plans and decisions. Guidance is also available from God, from parents, and from wise counselors and friends. Solomon sought the guidance of God and the counsel of men on many occasions; he shared the principles of decision making with the wise.
Divine guidance is available to those who trust God to provide it, and who expect it to accompany wise planning. In addition to His Word, God guides through circumstances and the inner perceptions of the heart. For the godly man who has wisdom, this guidance is reliable; fools fail to receive or perceive it.
Wise parental guidance also is of great value. It promises such benefits as longevity, peace, life, health, discretion, and knowledge. It warns of the dangers of drinking, and it recommends righteousness.
Counselors and friends may provide guidance, but wisdom and counsel must be mutual partners; and multiple counsel provides a measure of safety. Friendly counsel brings delight to the heart, but the more valuable counsel may need to be drawn form the deep wells of thoughtful reserve.
Counsel from the ungodly is unreliable and unwise, and any counsel against God is powerless and doomed to failure. Wise men seek sound guidance before making plans and decisions.