What does the Bible say about bad counsel?
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The Bible warns that bad counsel springs from folly, deceit, and unbelief, and calls God’s people to seek wisdom shaped by his truth. Psalm 1:1 blesses the person who refuses the counsel of the wicked, while Proverbs repeatedly contrasts self-assured opinion with wise instruction and the safety of many godly counselors. Proverbs 15:22 and 11:14 commend humble, prayerful consultation rather than isolated decision-making. Jeremiah 23:16 warns against voices that speak visions from their own minds rather than God’s mouth, and Job 42:7 shows that even religious speech may misrepresent the Lord. Christians should test advice by Scripture, receive correction, and trust that God’s purpose, not human plans, will finally stand (Proverbs 19:20-21).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
- Proverbs 15:22
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established.
- Jeremiah 23:16
Thus says Yahweh of Hosts, Don't listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Yahweh.
- Proverbs 19:20-21
[20] Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter end. [21] There are many plans in a man's heart, But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
- Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
- Proverbs 14:7
Stay away from a foolish man, For you won't find knowledge on his lips.
- Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, But in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
- Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who is wise listens to counsel.
- Job 42:7
It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.
- Proverbs 19:20
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter end.
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