Counsel
Isaiah 28:29 This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel of the soul.
Our soul….we call it different things, but it is really anything that makes up your mind, your will, and your emotions. You know all the things you think and feel, and the choices made.
So when we need some assistance to see, to do, to understand, to find, to be, to love, our God already knows and sees. He is wonderful in counsel and advice. He is excellent in wisdom- good judgment and experience.
Then, those around us, who know us (if we let them in), who see us, who understand, can draw it out. It’s like using the right lure for fishing. It’s like pumping the well that needs to be primed.
The verse says the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight in his hearty counsel. This sweetness, well meaning, get to the heart of a matter, person in front of me has something that would be of great value. They are willing to be ointment of life and healing. They are the hug of comfort. The open ended, sometimes repeated question. They are willing to be perfume, one who prays for me and sends those prayers of incense to the heart of my God on my behalf.
Key in counsel- To know and be known. Judgment in experience. Understanding. Friend.
Let Him in to the inner depths. Let that friend in to understand. You are deep waters. You are full of purpose. You have value. What’s in your heart and soul? The counsel is available, even Jesus with skin, in the heart of a sweet friend.