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"A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:5).
A commonly asked question is, "How can I find good Christian counsel?" But perhaps even more fundamental would be the
question, "How can I tell when I find good Christian counsel?"
There are many guidelines in God''s Word for seeking and selecting good counsel. The purpose of counsel is to aid us in
making our decisions, not to actually make them for us. Too often we want someone to tell us what to do. When you allow
someone else to tell you what to do, with rare exception you're going to get bad advice.
1. Test Their Counsel. When I'm evaluating someone's counsel in an area with which I am unfamiliar, I will pick a subject
about which we should both be knowledgeable and test that person. If I find the answers to be fundamentally wrong
in an area I do understand, then I avoid counsel in areas I don't understand.
2. Track Record. Proverbs 21:5 says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage." A good test of a counselor's
expertise is past performance. Any time you choose to invest time and money with someone who has less than a
five-year verifiable track record, you should assume that you're part of the "on-the-job training."
3. References. Few people ask for multiple references from a financial counselor, and even fewer verify those references.
Proverbs 21:29 says, "A wicked man shows a bold face." Most so-called advisors count on a good front in hopes to
satisfy clients. Check their references thoroughly.
Conclusion
The best method for locating good, Christian counsel is from other Christians who have been helped. Quite often, if you'll just
ask others at your church, someone will recommend a good resource. Without a doubt, the expert Christian counsel we need
is available if we seek it diligently.
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