Verse of the Day

12 Bible Verses About Counseling

The 12 most-voted scriptures about Counseling, from 5 books (Proverbs, John, Romans and 2 more), ranked by the OpenBible.info community.

Updated How this page is checked

Proverbs 15:22

BSB

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Overview

Proverbs supplies eight of the verses that readers of OpenBible linked to counseling; three are from the letters and one from the Gospel of John. They are shown in three groups.

Read moreShow less

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed,” and 11:14 that for lack of guidance a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. Proverbs 24:6 says that war should be waged only with sound guidance, and that victory lies in a multitude of counselors. Proverbs 12:15 says that a wise man listens to counsel, and 27:9 that the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

Proverbs 13:10 says, “Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.” Proverbs 12:18 says that the tongue of the wise brings healing, and 20:5 that the intentions of a man's heart are deep waters, “but a man of understanding draws them out.”

In John 16:13 Jesus tells His disciples, on the night before His crucifixion, that the Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction and for training in righteousness. In Romans 15:14 Paul writes that he is convinced his readers are able to instruct one another, and Galatians 6:1 says that if someone is caught in a trespass, those who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness, watching themselves, or they also may be tempted.

All 12 verses in vote order
  1. Proverbs 15:22
  2. Proverbs 11:14
  3. Proverbs 13:10
  4. Proverbs 12:18
  5. Proverbs 20:5
  6. John 16:13
  7. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
  8. Proverbs 12:15
  9. Proverbs 24:6
  10. Proverbs 27:9
  11. Romans 15:14
  12. Galatians 6:1

Counsel and counselors, in Proverbs

Proverbs 15:22

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

KJV

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

WEB

Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 15:21

Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.

Proverbs 15:23

A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

Interlinear (Strong’s)
הָפֵ֣ר

H6565A

ha.Fer

H:V

to break

מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת

H4284

Ma.cha.sha.Vot

H:N-F

plot

בְּ/אֵ֣ין

H0369

be./'Ein

H:Neg

nothing

ס֑וֹד

H5475

Sod

H:N-M

counsel

וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב

H7230

u./ve./Ro

H:N-M

abundance

יוֹעֲצִ֣ים

H3289

yo.'a.Tzim

H:V

to advise

תָּקֽוּם\׃

H6965I

ta.Kum

H:V

to arise: establish

Related passages

Proverbs 11:14

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

KJV

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

WEB

Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 11:13

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Proverbs 11:15

He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
בְּ/אֵ֣ין

H0369

be./'Ein

H:Neg

nothing

תַּ֭חְבֻּלוֹת

H8458

Tach.bu.lot

H:N-F

counsel

יִפָּל\־

H5307G

yi.pol-

H:V

to fall: fall

עָ֑ם

H5971A

'Am

H:N-M

people

וּ֝/תְשׁוּעָ֗ה

H8668H

u./te.shu.'Ah

H:N-F

deliverance: victory

בְּ/רֹ֣ב

H7230

be./Ro

H:N-M

abundance

יוֹעֵֽץ\׃

H3289

yo.'Etz

H:V

to advise

Related passages

Proverbs 12:15

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

KJV

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

WEB

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 12:14

By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.

Proverbs 12:16

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870G

De.rekh

H:N-M

way: conduct

אֱ֭וִיל

H0191

'E.vil

H:A-M

fool(ish)

יָשָׁ֣ר

H3477G

ya.Shar

H:A

upright

בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו

H5869A

be./'ei.Na/v

H:N-F

eye

וְ/שֹׁמֵ֖עַ

H8085G

ve./sho.Me.a'

H:V

to hear: hear

לְ/עֵצָ֣ה

H6098

le./'e.Tzah

H:N-F

counsel

חָכָֽם\׃

H2450

cha.Kham

H:A

wise

Related passages

Advertisements

Proverbs 24:6

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

KJV

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

WEB

for by wise guidance you wage your war, and victory is in many advisors.

From Proverbs, in the section that the book calls the words of the wise.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 24:5

A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

Proverbs 24:7

Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
כִּ֣י

H3588A

ki

H:Conj

for

בְ֭/תַחְבֻּלוֹת

H8458

Ve./tach.bu.lot

H:N-F

counsel

תַּעֲשֶׂה\־

H6213H

ta.'a.seh-

H:V

to make

לְּ/ךָ֣

H9031

le./Kha

Os2m

you

מִלְחָמָ֑ה

H4421

mil.cha.Mah

H:N-F

battle

וּ֝/תְשׁוּעָ֗ה

H8668H

u./te.shu.'Ah

H:N-F

deliverance: victory

בְּ/רֹ֣ב

H7230

be./Ro

H:N-M

abundance

יוֹעֵֽץ\׃

H3289

yo.'Etz

H:V

to advise

Related passages

Proverbs 27:9

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

KJV

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

WEB

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.

From Proverbs, in a collection that the book says was copied by the men of Hezekiah.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 27:8

Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.

Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
שֶׁ֣מֶן

H8081

She.men

H:N-M

oil

וּ֭/קְטֹרֶת

H7004

U./ke.to.ret

H:N-F

incense

יְשַׂמַּֽח\־

H8055

ye.sa.mach-

H:V

to rejoice

לֵ֑ב

H3820A

Lev

H:N-M

heart

וּ/מֶ֥תֶק

H4986

u./Me.tek

H:N-M

sweetness

רֵ֝עֵ֗/הוּ

H7453

re.'E./hu

H:N-M

neighbor

מֵֽ/עֲצַת\־

H6098

me./'a.tzat-

H:N-F

counsel

נָֽפֶשׁ\׃

H5315I

Na.fesh

H:N-F

soul: myself

The well-advised, the tongue of the wise and the heart, in Proverbs

Proverbs 13:10

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

KJV

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

WEB

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 13:9

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.

Proverbs 13:11

Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
רַק\־

H7535

rak-

H:Prep

except

בְּ֭/זָדוֹן

H2087

Be./za.don

H:N-M

arrogance

יִתֵּ֣ן

H5414G

yi.Ten

H:V

to give: give

מַצָּ֑ה

H4683

ma.Tzah

H:N-F

strife

וְ/אֶת\־

H0854

ve./'Et

H:Prep

with

נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים

H3289

no.'a.Tzim

H:V

to advise

חָכְמָֽה\׃

H2451

chokh.mah

H:N-F

wisdom

Related passages

Proverbs 12:18

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

KJV

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

WEB

There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 12:17

He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

yesh

H:A

there

בּ֭וֹטֶה

H0981

Bo.teh

H:V

to speak rashly

כְּ/מַדְקְר֣וֹת

H4094

ke./mad.ke.Rot

H:N-F

thrust

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

Cha.rev

H:N-F

sword

וּ/לְשׁ֖וֹן

H3956G

u./le.Shon

H:N

tongue

חֲכָמִ֣ים

H2450

cha.kha.Mim

H:A

wise

מַרְפֵּֽא\׃

H4832

mar.Pe'

H:N-M

healing

Related passages

Proverbs 20:5

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

KJV

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

WEB

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 20:4

The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.

Proverbs 20:6

Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?

Interlinear (Strong’s)
מַ֣יִם

H4325G

Ma.yim

H:N-M

water

עֲ֭מֻקִּים

H6013

'A.mu.kim

H:A

deep

עֵצָ֣ה

H6098

'e.Tzah

H:N-F

counsel

בְ/לֶב\־

H3820A

ve./lev-

H:N-M

heart

אִ֑ישׁ

H0376G

'Ish

H:N-M

man

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ

H0376G

ve./'Ish

H:N-M

man

תְּבוּנָ֣ה

H8394

te.vu.Nah

H:N-M

understanding

יִדְלֶֽ/נָּה\׃

H1802

yid.Le./nah

H:V

to draw (up/out)

Advertisements

Guidance and instruction, in John and the letters

John 16:13

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

KJV

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

WEB

However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.

Jesus speaking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion, after telling them that He still has much to tell them.

Context (BSB)

John 16:12

I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.

John 16:14

He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
ὅταν

G3752

hotan

G:CONJ

when(-ever)

δὲ

G1161

de

G:CONJ

then

ἔλθῃ

G2064

elthē

G:V

to come/go

ἐκεῖνος,

G1565

ekeinos

G:D

that

τὸ

G3588

to

G:T

the/this/who

πνεῦμα

G4151G

pneuma

G:N-N

spirit/breath: spirit

τῆς

G3588

tēs

G:T

the/this/who

ἀληθείας,

G0225

alētheias

G:N-F

truth

ὁδηγήσει

G3594

hodēgēsei

G:V

to guide

ὑμᾶς

G4771

humas

G:P-2

you

ἐν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

τῇ

G3588

tēa

G:T

the/this/who

ἀληθείᾳ

G0225

alētheia

G:N-F

truth

πάσῃ.

G3956

pasē

G:A

all

οὐ

G3756

ou

G:PRT-N

no

γὰρ

G1063

gar

G:CONJ

for

λαλήσει

G2980

lalēsei

G:V

to speak

ἀφ᾽

G0575

aph᾽

G:PREP

away from

ἑαυτοῦ,

G1438

he'autou

G:F-3

themself

ἀλλ᾽

G0235

all᾽

G:CONJ

but

ὅσα

G3745

hosa

G:K

just as/how much

ἂν

G0302

an

G:COND

if

ἀκούσει

G0191

akousei

G:V

to hear

λαλήσει

G2980

lalēsei

G:V

to speak

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

τὰ

G3588

ta

G:T

the/this/who

ἐρχόμενα

G2064

erchomena

G:V

to come/go

ἀναγγελεῖ

G0312

anangelei

G:V

to report

ὑμῖν.

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

Related passages

2 Timothy 3:16–17

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

KJV

16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

WEB

16Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

From the second letter written in the name of Paul to Timothy, after it recalls that Timothy has known the Holy Scriptures from infancy; this entry joins verses 16 and 17.

Context (BSB)

2 Timothy 3:15

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:1

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:

Interlinear (Strong’s)
2 Timothy 3:16
Πᾶσα

G3956

Pasa

G:A

all

γραφὴ

G1124

graphē

G:N-F

a writing

θεόπνευστος

G2315

theopneustos

G:A

God-breathed

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ὠφέλιμος

G5624

ōphelimos

G:A

valuable

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

διδασκαλίαν,

G1319

didaskalian

G:N-F

teaching

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

ἐλεγμόν,

G6031

elegmon

G:N-M

rebuke

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

ἐπανόρθωσιν,

G1882

epanorthōsin

G:N-F

correcting

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

παιδείαν

G3809

paideian

G:N-F

discipline

τὴν

G3588

tēn

G:T

the/this/who

ἐν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

δικαιοσύνῃ,

G1343

dikaiosunē

G:N-F

righteousness

2 Timothy 3:17
ἵνα

G2443

ina

G:CONJ

in order that/to

ἄρτιος

G0739

artios

G:A

competent

ᾖ

G1510

ē

G:V

to be

ὁ

G3588

ho

G:T

the/this/who

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

θεοῦ

G2316

theou

G:N-M/F

God

ἄνθρωπος,

G0444

anthrōpos

G:N-M

a human

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

πᾶν

G3956

pan

G:A

all

ἔργον

G2041

ergon

G:N-N

work

ἀγαθὸν

G0018

agathon

G:A / G:ADV

good

ἐξηρτισμένος.¶

G1822

exērtismenos

G:V

to finish/furnish

Related passages

Romans 15:14

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

KJV

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

WEB

I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, near the end of the letter, just before he says that he has written them a bold reminder.

Context (BSB)

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:15

However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me

Interlinear (Strong’s)
πέπεισμαι

G3982

pepeismai

G:V

to persuade

δέ,

G1161

de

G:CONJ

then

ἀδελφοί

G0080

adelphoi

G:N-M

brother

μου,

G3165

mou

G:P-1

me

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

αὐτὸς

G0846

autos

G:P

it/s/he

ἐγὼ

G1473

egō

G:P-1

I/we

περὶ

G4012

peri

G:PREP

about

ὑμῶν

G4771

humōn

G:P-2

you

ὅτι

G3754G

hoti

G:CONJ

that/since: that

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

αὐτοὶ

G0846

autoi

G:P

it/s/he

μεστοί

G3324

mestoi

G:A

full

ἐστε

G1510

este

G:V

to be

ἀγαθωσύνης

G0019

agathōsunēs

G:N-F

goodness

πεπληρωμένοι

G4137

peplērōmenoi

G:V

to fulfill

πάσης

G3956

pasēs

G:A

all

τῆς

G3588

tēs

G:T

the/this/who

γνώσεως,

G1108

gnōseōs

G:N-F

knowledge

δυνάμενοι

G1410

dunamenoi

G:V

be able

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ἀλλήλους

G0240

allēlous

G:C-

one another

νουθετεῖν.¶

G3560

nouthetein

G:V

to admonish

Related passages

Galatians 6:1

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

KJV

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

WEB

Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.

Paul, writing to the churches of Galatia, near the end of the letter.

Context (BSB)

Galatians 5:26

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.

Galatians 6:2

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
Ἀδελφοί,

G0080

Adelphoi

G:N-M

brother

ἐὰν

G1437

ean

G:COND

if

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

προλημφθῇ

G4301

prolēmphthēa

G:V

to take beforehand

ἄνθρωπος

G0444

anthrōpos

G:N-M

a human

ἔν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

τινι

G5100

tini

G:X

one

παραπτώματι,

G3900

paraptōmati

G:N-N

trespass

ὑμεῖς

G4771

humeis

G:P-2

you

οἱ

G3588

hoi

G:T

the/this/who

πνευματικοὶ

G4152

pneumatikoi

G:A

spiritual

καταρτίζετε

G2675

katartizete

G:V

to complete

τὸν

G3588

ton

G:T

the/this/who

τοιοῦτον

G5108

toiouton

G:D

such as this

ἐν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

πνεύματι

G4151G

pneumati

G:N-N

spirit/breath: spirit

πραΰτητος

G4240

prautētos

G:N-F

gentleness

σκοπῶν

G4648

skopōn

G:V

to watch out

σεαυτὸν

G4771

seauton

G:P-2

you

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

σὺ

G4771

su

G:P-2

you

πειρασθῇς.

G3985G

peirasthēas

G:V

to test/tempt: tempt

Related passages

Verses to pray, send and memorize

  • A verse to pray

    However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.

    John 16:13

    BSB

  • A verse to send to someone

    Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

    Proverbs 27:9

    BSB

  • A short verse to memorize

    The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

    Proverbs 20:5

    BSB

12 verses, from 5 books:

  • Proverbs (8)
  • John (1)
  • Romans (1)
  • Galatians (1)
  • 2 Timothy (1)

Related topics