Understanding the Kingdom Difference Between Counsel vs Advice

Have you ever wondered why some advice leaves you feeling stuck, while godly counsel moves your soul? As kingdom women, navigating the difference between counsel and advice is more than just semantics—it’s critical to our spiritual growth. Counsel carries the weight of wisdom rooted in God’s Word, while advice is often shaped by personal opinion or experience. If you’ve struggled to discern the two, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack this kingdom difference and explore how aligning with counsel over advice can transform the way we walk out our faith.

Defining Counsel and Advice

Understanding the difference between counsel and advice can feel like splitting hairs, but trust me, it’s worth it. These words aren’t just interchangeable synonyms—they carry entirely different weights, especially for kingdom women. If you’ve ever acted on someone’s suggestion and felt like something was off, chances are, you were leaning on advice when you truly needed counsel. Let’s break this down so we can recognize the difference and lean into the kind of guidance that aligns with God’s will.

What Is Counsel?

Counsel, at its core, is wisdom anchored in God’s truth. It’s not about quick fixes or surface-level solutions—it’s about seeking direction rooted in God’s Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” What stands out here? Counsel is collective, intentional, and always underpinned by truth.

Think of counsel as a light in the fog. When life gets murky, counsel shows up like a trusted GPS, not guiding you based on someone’s opinion, but based on God's eternal map. Psalm 1:1 also drives the point home, warning us not to walk in the “counsel of the wicked.” This verse reminds us that not all counsel is good counsel. True counsel aligns with God’s character—it calls us higher, even when the path feels challenging.

To me, seeking counsel is like sitting at the feet of wisdom. It’s not about convenience; it’s about submitting your decisions and your heart to those who have a biblical foundation. Counsel requires humility—are we willing to let someone speak God’s truth into areas we might prefer to avoid? I get it, it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

When you tune into God’s counsel, whether through prayer, His Word, or a trusted mentor steeped in biblical wisdom, you’re choosing guidance that stretches beyond the here and now. Counsel positions us for kingdom growth and godly outcomes.

What Is Advice?

Advice, on the other hand, feels familiar because it’s everywhere. We live in a culture brimming with opinions, and everyone seems ready to dish out advice at the first sign of trouble. Advice isn’t inherently bad—it’s practical, it’s well-meaning, and sometimes it’s even helpful. But here’s the thing: advice is often driven by human experience and perspective, not necessarily by the Word of God.

Let me explain it this way. If counsel is like a GPS rooted in God’s map, advice is more like a friend’s text message with directions. It’s quick, it’s casual, and it might help for a bit, but it doesn’t come with a guarantee. Advice often focuses on external solutions. It’s like trying to fix a cracked foundation with paint—it might look good on the outside, but the deeper issues remain.

Take everyday situations as an example. Let’s say you’re wrestling with a tough parenting decision. A friend might say, “You just need to set firmer boundaries!” That’s advice—straightforward and practical. But biblical counsel might take it a step further, pointing you toward Ephesians 6:4 about raising children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Do you see the difference? Counsel helps you align your actions with God’s principles; advice, while helpful, often starts and ends with human idea-sharing.

Here’s why this matters: advice can shift with the seasons, trends, and opinions of the day. Counsel, on the other hand, is timeless because it’s established in God’s unchanging Word. Advice can feel comforting in the moment, but it lacks the spiritual depth that equips us to navigate life’s bigger challenges.

If you’re feeling stuck in trying to discern counsel vs advice, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m such a fan of She Meets Mentoring. This is your opportunity to connect with women who are passionate about building alongside kingdom principles. If you’re ready to move beyond casual suggestions and step into wisdom steeped in God’s truth, this is the community for you. Don’t wait—let’s grow together.

The Key Kingdom Differences Between Counsel and Advice

Have you ever felt like some guidance pulls you closer to God, while other advice just scratches the surface? That’s the real difference between seeking counsel and taking advice—they’re not the same thing. Counsel taps into God’s wisdom, carefully steering your heart and your actions toward His will. Advice? It’s often well-meant but may lack the spiritual depth we actually need. Let’s unpack why we, as kingdom women, need to focus on the right kind of guidance and how these two approaches differ on a core level.

Counsel Comes From Godly Wisdom

Counsel doesn’t begin and end with personal opinions—it’s deeply rooted in God’s Word. Think of godly counsel as a spiritual compass, grounded in scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of those who walk closely with Christ. It’s a process that involves seeking God’s direction, not just a feel-good answer.

For example, Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” This isn't about gathering advice from anyone—it’s about leaning on a community of believers who center their decisions and guidance around God’s will. A trusted mentor might remind us to pray over a situation, ask for clarity from the Holy Spirit, or guide us to scripture that aligns with our challenges.

Let me give you a tangible example. Facing a major career decision? Godly counsel might push you to fast, pray, and reflect on verses like Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us of God’s plans for hope and a future. It’s not always the quickest or easiest route, but it aligns your heart with God’s priorities instead of rushing forward with your own agenda.

The beauty of counsel lies in its depth. It’s about more than solving a problem; it’s about building your relationship with God through the process. Counsel equips us to make decisions that carry eternal significance, not just temporary relief. So, when you’re torn about your next step, remember this: counsel invites God into the conversation, turning your struggles into opportunities for spiritual growth.

Advice May Be Secular in Nature

Advice, on the other hand, often lacks this spiritual foundation. While it can be helpful in practical ways, advice is mostly shaped by human opinions, experiences, or cultural norms. It doesn’t always consider what God is trying to teach us through our circumstances, and that’s where it falls short.

We’ve all been there—confiding in a friend or scrolling social media, only to hear advice like, “Follow your heart” or, “Do what feels right.” That might sound nice, but as believers, we know the heart can be deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Advice that skips scripture misses the mark when it comes to kingdom alignment.

Here’s the thing about advice: it’s usually hyper-focused on quick fixes. Let’s say you’re having trouble in your marriage. A friend might suggest date nights or better communication. While those are great ideas, they’re surface-level. Godly counsel might point you to Ephesians 5:33, reminding you to respect and love one another as Christ loved the church. See the difference? One scratches the surface, and the other dives deep into God’s design for marriage.

Advice tends to shift with trends and personal opinions. What sounds right today might not hold up tomorrow, making it unreliable in the long run. While advice isn’t the villain here, it’s no substitute for counsel rooted in God’s Word. And honestly, why settle for advice when you could have direction straight from the Creator?

The Role of Discernment

So, how can we tell whether we’re receiving godly counsel or just another piece of advice? That’s where discernment comes in. Discernment is like your kingdom filter—helping you separate what’s meaningful and biblical from what’s not.

Start with prayer. Before acting on any advice or counsel, ask God to reveal His will. Proverbs 3:5-6 directs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Bring your decisions to Him first, and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Next, lean into scripture. Does the guidance you’re being given align with God’s Word? Counsel should always point back to biblical truths. If someone is encouraging you to act out of impatience, anger, or pride, it’s probably advice—not counsel.

Finally, seek the wisdom of Christian mentors. Surround yourself with women who love God and live according to His principles. These are the mentors who will challenge you, pray with you, and hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. It’s not about finding someone who tells you what you want to hear; it’s about finding someone who loves you enough to speak God’s truth, even when it’s hard to hear.

Here’s the bottom line: discernment takes practice, but it equips you to look past the surface and focus on what God is saying, rather than what the world is shouting.

Biblical Examples of Counsel vs Advice

The Bible is packed with rich examples of how godly counsel differs from mere advice. As kingdom women, we don’t have to guess—Scripture shows us both the blessings of wise counsel and the pitfalls of ignoring it. Let’s look at a few key stories and truths that help us understand how counsel vs advice plays out.

Rehoboam's Poor Choice of Counsel and Advice

The story of King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:6-16 is one of the clearest examples of how choosing the wrong guidance can lead to disastrous results. When Rehoboam became king after Solomon, he faced a defining moment. The people of Israel came to him asking for relief from the heavy burdens Solomon placed on them. Rehoboam had two groups to turn to for input: the seasoned elders who had advised his father Solomon, and a group of younger men he had grown up with.

The elders encouraged Rehoboam to ease the load on the people, promising that this act of kindness would secure their loyalty. Their counsel was rooted in wisdom, understanding the hearts of the people and the long-term impact of merciful leadership. But Rehoboam wasn’t satisfied; instead, he turned to his peers, who advised him to double down on the demands, showing his strength and authority.

What did Rehoboam do? He rejected the elders' godly counsel and followed the advice of his friends. The result? The kingdom split, with ten tribes forming the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam’s rule. Rehoboam’s decision drove a wedge in God’s chosen nation, all because he chose advice fueled by pride instead of counsel grounded in wisdom.

This story isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call. When we’re at crossroads in life, whose voices are we listening to? Are we prioritizing godly wisdom, or leaning on opinions that align with our pride or fears? Rehoboam’s downfall reminds me that quick fixes and ego-driven advice might sound appealing, but they lead to brokenness, not peace.

Moses and Jethro's Counsel

On the flip side, Moses shows us the blessings of embracing godly counsel, even when it challenges how we’ve always done things. In Exodus 18:13-24, Moses was overwhelmed with the responsibilities of leading the Israelites. From morning to night, he was acting as judge, settling disputes among the people—and wearing himself out in the process.

That’s when Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, stepped in. Jethro saw the bigger picture and advised Moses to delegate some of his responsibilities. He encouraged Moses to focus on the most important tasks, while appointing capable, God-fearing men to handle the smaller disputes. Jethro’s counsel wasn’t just practical—it was rooted in godly wisdom. He reminded Moses that he couldn’t do it all and that God’s work could be shared without losing its purpose.

And guess what? Moses listened. He followed Jethro’s advice, and it transformed the way he led the people. By accepting the wisdom of godly counsel, Moses avoided burnout and created a more sustainable way to serve the Israelites.

This story resonates so deeply because, let’s be real, many of us are a lot like Moses. We try to carry the whole load, thinking it’s our duty to do it all. But sometimes, God’s answer to our overwhelm comes through the counsel of others. It’s humbling to accept help, but just like Moses, we can find freedom when we lean into the wisdom of godly voices.

Why Kingdom Women Need Proper Counsel

As kingdom women, we’re called to walk a path that reflects God’s truth in everything we do. That’s easier said than done when life throws challenges, uncertainties, and big decisions our way. It’s tempting to lean on advice from well-meaning friends, social media, or even our personal preferences. But here’s the thing: we don’t just need opinions; we need godly counsel—a guidance rooted in His Word, not human whim.

Let’s talk about why proper counsel is essential, how it strengthens our spiritual walk, and how incorporating mentorship can help us live out kingdom principles daily.

Building Stronger Spiritual Foundations

It’s impossible to build a house that lasts without a solid foundation, and the same goes for our spiritual lives. Godly counsel serves as that sturdy base, keeping us aligned with kingdom principles even when everything around us feels uncertain.

When we seek counsel, we’re looking beyond quick fixes or feel-good answers. Godly counsel challenges us to consider what aligns with scripture and what reflects His character. Proverbs 19:20 reminds us, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Notice how this is more than just taking in opinions? True counsel is about wisdom—wisdom that leads to spiritual growth and strength.

Think about this: every decision we make either pulls us closer to God’s will or draws us away. Good counsel helps us navigate choices in a way that deepens our faith. Without it, we risk building on shaky ground, where our steps are guided by fleeting emotions or shallow opinions.

When I think of godly counsel, I picture it like a compass pointing true north—it keeps us steady, reminding us that God’s ways are higher than ours. Whether you’re deciding on a relationship, a career, or how to handle conflict, counsel rooted in scripture leads you to choices that don’t just “feel right” but are right in God’s eyes.

Spiritual foundations aren’t built overnight, but when we submit to godly counsel, we’re constructing something that can withstand storms. Is it always easy? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Navigating Life’s Complexities

Life doesn’t come with a playbook—or at least that’s how it feels sometimes. Whether it’s big decisions around your career, relationships, or family, the weight can feel overwhelming. That’s when proper counsel becomes not just important but necessary. Let’s be real: advice comes at us from everywhere these days. But counsel? That takes discernment, prayer, and seeking wisdom from sources that truly align with God’s will.

Let’s say you’re facing a major career move. A friend might say, “Take the job with the bigger paycheck. You deserve it!” That’s advice, and while it might sound logical, it doesn’t always take God’s purpose for your life into account. Godly counsel, however, might encourage you to pray over your decision, reflect on whether the role uses your gifts in service to His kingdom, or help you draw confidence from Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you.”

And what about relationships? Whether you’re dating, married, or navigating challenging family dynamics, godly counsel cuts through the noise of cultural clichés like “just follow your heart.” Let’s be real: our hearts are not always reliable decision-makers. Biblical counsel reminds us that love is patient, kind, and rooted in selflessness—principles that go deeper than a quick fix or one-size-fits-all advice.

Life is complicated, no doubt about it. But here’s the thing: advice often skims the surface, while proper counsel addresses root issues with wisdom that stands the test of time. When we skip godly counsel, we risk choosing what’s easiest or most appealing in the moment instead of what aligns with God’s purpose for our lives. And let’s be honest, we’ve all felt the regret when a decision made on a whim didn’t pan out.

The beauty of godly counsel is that it helps us recognize how even our smallest decisions fit into the bigger picture of kingdom living. It challenges us to think beyond the now and consider what glorifies God in the long term.

How Mentorship Supports Kingdom Living

Sometimes, we hear the word “mentorship” and think it’s just a professional buzzword. But for Christian women, mentorship is about so much more—it’s a God-ordained way to pass on wisdom, foster accountability, and create a community where spiritual growth thrives. The truth is, no one walks this faith journey alone. Even Jesus surrounded Himself with His disciples for guidance, fellowship, and shared mission.

Here’s where Christian mentorship, like She Meets Mentoring, comes in. Think of mentors as spiritual coaches—women who’ve walked the path you’re on and are committed to helping you navigate life through a kingdom lens. They point you back to scripture, keep you grounded in truth, and lovingly hold you accountable when life’s pressures tempt you to stray.

What I love about mentorship is its ability to fill the gaps in areas where we feel unsure. Maybe you’re struggling to balance work, family, and your faith. A Christian mentor isn’t there to overwhelm you with advice about productivity or hustle culture—they’re there to remind you of God’s priorities for your life. Or perhaps you’re wrestling with doubts. A godly mentor offers more than just words of encouragement; they bring wisdom from scripture and their own experiences of how God worked through their struggles.

Mentorship is basically a live-and-in-person version of Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” It’s not always comfortable—it’s sharpening, after all—but it’s through that process that we grow into women who are stronger, wiser, and more in tune with God’s will.

If you’ve never considered mentorship before, let me tell you, this isn’t just an “extra” resource. It’s vital, especially when the world’s noise can so easily drown out God’s voice. Programs like She Meets Mentoring are a gift for kingdom women who crave connection and godly counsel. These relationships are all about building and growing together—not just for today, but for eternity.

If you’ve been craving guidance that goes beyond surface-level advice, proper counsel and Christian mentorship might be exactly what you need. It’s time to step into wisdom and start making decisions that align with God’s will. Let She Meets Mentoring connect you with women who get it—women who will walk with you, pray with you, and challenge you to live for His glory. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let’s grow together.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between counsel and advice isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. As kingdom women, we must be intentional about seeking wisdom that moves us closer to God’s purpose. While advice may offer quick fixes, godly counsel provides direction grounded in His Word, equipping us to make decisions that honor Him.

Here’s the challenge: don’t settle for opinions when eternal wisdom is available. Choose guidance that stretches your faith, deepens your walk, and builds your spiritual foundation. If you’re ready to step into a community of women who champion this kind of growth, She Meets Mentoring is for you. Join us, and let’s pursue kingdom living together. You were never meant to do this journey alone.