Find That Wise Man

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors

there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

Reflecting on this verse has reminded me how essential wise counsel and mentorship are in our walk with Christ. I didn’t realize how much the Study Center would shape this for me.

We all need guidance. As Proverbs says, when we lack wise counsel, we fall. Not stumble. Not drift. We Fall down.

And true guidance doesn’t simply come from people a year or two older than us. It comes from men and women who have walked through seasons we haven’t yet experienced – who have endured suffering, led families, built careers, faced failure, and remained faithful to Jesus through it all.

When I heard about the Study Center, I was excited. A place for Christian community. A place to hang out. A good environment.

But now I see it differently. It has become a place of wisdom.

From conversations with Tee and Aaron, to grabbing lunch with Herb, sitting with Jordan, and listening to speakers who come in and share from decades of experience – this has been more precious than gold. Over the past months, I’ve found myself surrounded by men and women further along in their faith, their careers, their families, and their obedience to the Lord.

And I’ve seen how true Proverbs 11:14 is in my own life.

Left to myself, I can justify almost anything. I can convince myself and my friends that I am right.I can move too fast. I can assume I see clearly.

But something changes when you are across from someone who has walked longer with Jesus, suffered more, endured more, and just sat with Him.

Having your blind spots exposed isn’t always comfortable. Having your plans questioned can feel unsettling. But that discomfort ends up being protection. It keeps you from drifting into pride. It guards you from unnecessary mistakes. It steers you away from shipwreck.

There is safety in humility.

The Study Center has reminded me that wisdom isn’t found in isolation. It’s cultivated in community. It’s sharpened in conversation. It’s formed when you’re willing to listen more than you speak.

And in an abundance of counselors – there is safety.