Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked….
Psalm 1:1
Its interesting to note that the Jewish Bible uses the word ‘happy’ in the place of blessed most times throughout it’s rendering of Psalms.
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Vines Word Studies note this Hebrew word ˒ashre 835), as “blessed; happy.” Basically, this word connotes the state of “prosperity” or “happiness” that comes when a superior bestows his favor (blessing) on one. One’s status before God (being “blessed”) is not always expressed in terms of the individual or social conditions that bring what moderns normally consider to be “happiness.” So although it is appropriate to render ‘ashre’ as “blessed,” the rendering of “happiness” does not always convey its emphasis to modern readers.
We are all looking for what we consider to be happy in this blessed state. Surely all blessings make us happy. Doesn’t Proverb’s tell us that the blessing of the Lord enriches our life and adds no sorrow? Therefore, all blessings must be good. However, I submit to you our good is not always God’s. God has a long term view about our well being while ours is very temporal and immediate. It is a product of the culture we have been raised in and learned.
But counsel ~ who and where do I go when I need advice? As a Christian, I am exhorted by the Lord Jesus to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ with the Amplified Classic highlighting ‘his way of doing and being right’. There is a ‘mind of Christ’ that we are to have and hold as we process any decisions and changes needed. His counsel is the foundation.
1 Cor 14:10 There are many voices in the world and none are without significance.
Learning to discern the counsel of the Lord comes with diligent inquiring so from our Psalm today we are reminded not to ‘seek’ advice from the ungodly but to find our delight in the law of the Lord. From Proverb’s 8, we find wisdom declaring ~ “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” Jesus Himself is declared prophetically from Isaiah 9 as ‘Counsellor’. The Holy Spirit himself is a Counselor who searches the depths of God to reveal to us the thoughts and wisdom of God, [1 Corinthians 2:10-14]
With many plans in the mind of a man, we must make sure it is the LORD that is directing our steps. The word tells us that there is wisdom in the mulitude of counselors, but it must be ‘godly’ counsel. Please note again, the psalmist writes using the word ‘seeking’ counsel from ungodly people. While getting advice when we are unsure is encouraged, too many voices can sow confusion and all voices must be processed through His.
As Job found with God, there is a counsel that is darkened by words without knowledge (Job 38:2). To hold advice that lies beyond our power of comprehension (understanding) without possessing the capacity to righteously weigh and judge that counsel is a dangerous pursuit.
Jesus carried the Spirit without measure and we learn of that seven Spirit fulness of God that He possessed from Isaiah 11; wisdom, understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. It’s the fear of the Lord that moves us into obedience. It is might or strength that gives us the ability to do what the wisdom and knowledge instruct.
It is our responsibility to discern the Godly quality of what we are hearing. Does it measure up to the standard of Jesus? Everything we hear must be held to the light of the word and judged accordingly. What could be more UNgodly than taking counsel from the lies the devil sows and the fear it can create?
“….we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,..” Col. 1:9
Blessed is the one who walks in the counsel of God, delighting in His word.