Counsel is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to exercise better discernment in life's uncertainties. This gift perfects the virtue of prudence. What does Scripture teach about counsel? Explore these 10 Bible verses on this theme with Hozana.
"Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you." (Genesis 27:8)
"After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, 'Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?' The Lord answered, 'Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.'" (Judges 1:1-2)
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his." (Job 12:13)
"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." (Proverbs 12:15)
"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Proverbs 13:10)
"Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you. Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge?" (Proverbs 22:17-20)
"For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right." (1 Samuel 12:22-23)
"Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon." (1 Kings 1:12)
"I gave them this command: 'Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.' But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." (Jeremiah 7:23-24)
"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." (Psalm 16:7)
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to deepen this gift in us. Join these communities to grow in discernment:
The gift of counsel is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, as taught by St. Thomas Aquinas. Alongside wisdom, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, this divine gift helps us discern how to act according to God’s will. We can ask for it through prayers like the Veni Creator Spiritus.
Scripture overflows with wisdom, especially in Proverbs. One key verse:
"The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives." (Proverbs 16:17).
A powerful reminder for youth from Isaiah:
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:30–31).