Text: Prov 11:14-15 ESV 14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. 15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. - Prov 11:14-15 ESV IN AN ABUNDANCE OF COUNSELORS THERE IS SAFETY Solomon continues in explaining the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. We have learned that the righteous person speaks wisely and causes others to rejoice and be blessed. In contrast, the wicked person speaks foolishly and causes trouble. Here, in verse 14, there are people who refuse to take good advice. They live in their "echo chambers," where all they hear are their own opinions being repeated. They are more prone and vulnerable to lies and errors, are they not? But, there are wise people who are seeking good advices from others. They take the step of conferring with other people. And, this makes them more likely to reach a good conclusion. Wise counsel may point out a person's weaknesses and his tendency to do the wrong thing. In Prov 27:6, it says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Good advice is not always pleasant advice. However, true friends will not merely tell a person what they want to hear but what they need to hear. In the New Testament, we see Paul counsels Timothy to warn the church at Ephesus about the influence of such people He tells Timothy, "If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 4:1-3,.6). The next verse [v.15] talks about the harm when trusting a stranger. There is a warning not to cosign a loan, or take on other debts or obligations, on behalf of a stranger. If the stranger fails on his obligation to make payments, the cosigner is held responsible. This responsibility might bankrupt him and cause him to lose all his possessions. Prov 22:26–27 says similarly, "Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?" In short, it's important to know the person well. It makes sense that we must know the person well by asking the advises from others. Indeed, there is wisdom in consulting others. Let’s make the rubber hits the road. How do we apply this in our relationships today? Let’s acknowledge that God is the owner of all we have – time, talents, and treasures. We are simply stewards of what He has given to us. Therefore, we should be careful to use all these in a way that He directs for His glory. Let’s not squander these by poor and reckless decisions. In every decision, especially in helping others, we must ask God’s guidance through prayers and godly advise from people who fear God. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram