“for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6, ESV)
In 1977, while serving in the United States Army in Germany, I had an interview to join the division staff as an aid to the assistant division commander. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see how a division level staff group functioned. At this level, the planning of a military operation is done by a variety of military specialists. The planning involves specialists in operations, logistics, intelligence, and supporting services. The success is based largely on the contributions of each entity in the planning. Yet, the division commander has the final say.
The passage in Proverbs 24, has a military feel to it. Yet, the principles contained therein are not limited to military operations. They are truths that can be applied in any situation. It is especially useful in making decisions and filtering out our thoughts. In this, a “multitude of counselors” can make a huge difference and help us from acting upon impulses that might take us from the purposes of God.
In this verse, the word translated as “victory” can also be translated as deliverance or safety (Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Hebrew Bible H8668). one thing we absolutely need when processing our thoughts is safety. There was a time in our world, when government leaders who had to make critical decisions would call upon a pastor for advice and prayer. Those days seem to be fading away in the wind of change. No longer do people go to their spiritual leaders first. It should not be that way with believers, but it often is.
When I did pre-marital counseling, I would always work to ensure the couple was equally yoked, understood the complexities to expect, and understood the lifelong commitment that marriage was. I would tell them before end of the counselling that if they ever had any issues and they were so serious that they were contemplating divorce, that they should call me and that I would go out of my way to meet with them. Yet, in all those marriages, some ended up in divorce and not one of the divorced couples ever contacted me. It is a problem of the age. Commitment is not commitment and seeking spiritual advice is ignored.
Using this filter requires finding multiple spiritual people who will give solid biblical advice. Frankly, this will take a bit of work. Yet, the work will pay huge dividends if done correctly. (More on the next devotion.)
Renewing the Heart 