Understanding The Spirit of Counsel

Now, when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they had come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not (Acts 16:6-7). Paul and his companions decided to go to certain regions to preach the Gospel, but the Holy Spirit prevented them from going at that time. How did they know it was the Holy Spirit who didn’t want them to go? They were so acquainted and yielded to Him that they could recognize His voice. As a result, the Spirit led and instructed them to go to Macedonia instead, to preach (Acts 16:8-9). Hallelujah!
The Holy Spirit has a voice, and He speaks to you from the Word. Whenever He speaks, He speaks wisdom, for the Word of God is the Wisdom of God! That’s why it’s so important for you to learn and know God’s Word. He never says anything outside the Word. Whatever He tells you is always in sync with the written Word and consistent with God’s will for your life. John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” If you’re acquainted with the Word, you’ll know whenever the Holy Spirit talks to you, for He bears witness to the Scriptures. When he tells you to do anything, don’t question it. You can’t follow His leading and lose. He’ll lead and guide you from success to success, and from glory to glory. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14).

The term “multitude of counsellors” is an interesting one that’s misunderstood by many to mean a multiplicity of counsellors. Even some Bible versions translate it this way. The NIV version, for instance, says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” It’s actually not about a multiplicity of counsellors; the Hebrew word translated “multitude” also means “greatness”, while the word translated counsellors is translated ‘counsel’ many more times in the ‘Authorized version.’ Counsellors provide information.
A “multitude of counsellors,” therefore, means that you’re getting sufficient or accurate information to help you decide an appropriate course of action. Back in those days when this verse was written, they didn't have access to as much information as we have today. They had what they called the “king’s advisors.” He depended on them for wise counsel. They were the “wise” men: the king's counsellors, such as Ahitophel in the days of King David; his counsel was said to be as though one had heard from God (2 Samuel 16:23). But today, we have lots of materials that we can study to get sufficient information on a subject that can help us make an informed decision. So, it's about the quality of information, not about the number of people you’re calling to counsel you. However, you have the most dependable Counsellor who can give you the most accurate information you require, and that’s the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist said, “I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7). The Holy Spirit is the one who instructs you in your inward man. He gives you instructions by which He guides your life. Some of these may not even be expressly dealt with in the Scriptures. For example, you could require information concerning travelling or making some purchases. The Counsellor in you—the Holy Spirit—can provide you with the necessary information to enable you to make the right decisions. Don’t dabble in the occult or traffic with mediums; you’ll pollute your souls. I am GOD, your God (Leviticus 19:31 MSG).
In 1 Samuel 28:7-23, we read about the desperate act of King Saul when he sought out a woman practising divination to call up the spirit of Samuel, though Samuel had already died. Saul, troubled and without divine guidance, resorted to something forbidden, consulting with a medium—a witch. The Bible makes it clear that Saul’s actions were grievous to God. Saul knew God’s law but deliberately sought out a familiar spirit.
In 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, the Bible confirms Saul’s disobedience, stating that Saul died for his transgression of seeking counsel from one with a familiar spirit. Saul knew this was wrong as he had driven out witches and wizards from the land, as seen in 1 Samuel 28:9. Yet, in his desperation, he turned to the very evil he had once condemned. God had given an instruction in Exodus 22:18: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” He had also explicitly forbidden consulting familiar spirits: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:31). Also, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord….” Furthermore, Isaiah 8:19-20 warns: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Don’t consult with mediums; it’s not of God. Divination is wrong in all forms, whether consulting familiar spirits of the living, the dead, or demons. It’s wrong to seek the future by consulting the spirits of the dead. Instead, you’re to consult the Holy Spirit for guidance concerning anything in life, and He lives in you. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13). One of the things you must do throughout your life is to yield to the Spirit and follow His guidance and counsel in all your dealings. No other personality in this life is worth following but the Holy Spirit. He’s the greatest friend and teacher you could ever know; He’s the One called alongside to go with you, and to be with you and in you! He’s the One who guides you into all truth and brings His Word to your remembrance. Following the Holy Spirit means yielding yourself to Him through the Word of God. You cannot follow the Holy Spirit except you’re yielded to God’s Word; doing what He says. This will reflect the beauty of God in you and help you live a more excellent life. You’ll find yourself making the best decisions and the right choices always. You’ll do the right thing the first time, be at the right place at the right time, and live an inspiring life. How important it is to be led by the Spirit of God in all your affairs! No one but He can give you true counsel and guidance in life. So be sure to yield to Him with all your heart. Isaiah 30:21 says, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Also, He said through the Psalmist in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” This is the ministry of the Spirit in your life. Take advantage of it today, and you’ll never lose your way.
-GSW-