Hearing Counsel and Receiving Instruction for Latter Wisdom

Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end (Proverbs 16:20). The distinction between these two gifts proves essential: instruction consists in the communication of right principles; counsel in the advice by which you may apply those principles practically. Both derive from the Word of God, which discovers evidences of Yahweh's existence and gives instruction concerning His government and man's nature.

The benefit promised—wisdom in the latter end—proves of greatest importance, delivering you from the disgrace of growing old a fool amid countless opportunities for acquiring instruction's blessings. Yet human devices multiply endlessly. Proverbs 16:21 contrasts them sharply: "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand." Men's fancies resemble vain dreams—chimeras, castles in the air. Our devices multiply in the plural; God's counsel stands singular and unchangeable. His purpose admits no after-counsel to correct former errors. The immutability of His counsel (botzah—His firm purpose) distinguishes divine wisdom absolutely from human scheming.

We fail in right knowledge of God because we fail in knowing ourselves, imagining Him altogether such as ourselves. Yet Adonai's eternal purpose exceeds our comprehension. The honour of God rests precisely here: His counsel is one and unchangeable, its efficacy certain where human devices scatter like wind.