MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PROVERBS: ABUNDANT COUNSELORS
PROVERBS 11:14, 24:3-6
mentalhealth
STORY SEGMENT 1
In a small town out in the old west, there was a man named Dingbat. Dingbat was just your normal average person. He went out west to make his fortune. Dingbat thought he knew a lot about making his way in the world and decided that he didn’t need any help in making his homestead his own. He thought he could build his home, tame the land, and plant crops all by himself. After all, he built a book shelf, dug hole, and tended a garden, so how hard could it be.
The first day on his new homestead, he decided to start his house. He could stay in his covered wagon until his house was built, but he was eager to be in his house. He looked over his property and noticed a nice flat patch of ground near the river. He marked out the boundary of what he thought would be his house and started putting in the corner posts of his house. He knew, from past experience, that he had to get the corner posts square or his house would be wonky. A wonky house falls down… everybody knows that.
As he was setting his third post, a wagon came onto his land. It was his neighbors from far down the road, the Helpfuls, who had come to welcome him to the area. They got down out of their wagon and gave him several meals they had prepared along with brownies. As they chatted, the Helpfuls mentioned that the house he was building was awfully close to the river and the ground on which he was starting his house was a bit softer than they would like for a house site. Dingbat said he knew what he was doing and did not listen to the Helpfuls. He expressed the desire to build his home, tame the land, and plant crops all by himself as he considered it wise to do things all on his own. They understood and offered to be of assistance if he wanted it.
It took him a few days, but Dingbat nailed together fall the parts of his house from the four posts. He put in the floor planks. He put up his walls and the flat roof that only sagged a little in the middle. When he was done had himself a perfectly square house of which he was exceedingly proud. He spent another whole day fashioning his own wooden shingles for his roof. He put them on and had some left over for the sides of his house as well. There were two windows with flower boxes and a door that swung outward like a pro. He liked what he saw and set his mind to his next task… taming the land.
MENTAL HEALTH FRAME OF MIND
The past few years we have taken time once a year or so to focus on the topic of mental health. I think this topic is important because when God created human beings, He created us as integrated beings with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Sin entered into Creation and disrupts the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health in all of us. Because we are integrated beings, it is not a bad thing to focus on mental and emotional health.
Proverbs is about wise living. Proverbs us about learning and then living. I feel like we all start with a baseline in our mental and emotional health. That is also true in physical health as well. Our baseline is based on genetics, our family atmosphere, economics, access to healthcare, and so many other factors. Our family atmosphere could have been or is really stable and healthy or it could be terribly dysfunctional. Our baseline is where we start. I think about this more specifically when it comes to genetics and our default brain chemistry. When we live wisely or unwisely, it piles on top of whatever our baseline happens to be.
For example, and I think this is a good one, there are people who are predisposed towards depression because of genetics, brain chemistry, and experiences. Here is where Proverbs comes in:
If we live wisely and understand our predisposition towards depression, we will avoid excessive social media use, limit chronic stress, and keep a good sleeping schedule. This means we are piling wisdom on top of the mental health baseline we inherit. We need to live wisely in light of our baseline making sure we exercise, learn to rest how God describes, avoid prolonged guilt and stress, pray regularly, worship God with purpose, and are not ignoring warnings in our relationships. Our mental and emotional health will be better because of our wise path.
If we live unwisely and embrace carelessness when it comes to mental health then we are only hurting ourselves. When we know full well that social isolation, inconsistent church attendance, skipping Bible study, not caring about chronic stress, and dipping into substances is going to negatively impact us… then we are piling unwisdom on top of the mental health baseline we inherit. We are living foolishly in light of our baseline. Our mental and emotional health will suffer because of our unwise path.
Insert into that example: anxiety, addiction, worry, or any other issue we might deal with. King Solomon and others lay out for us in 31 chapters in Proverbs the wise paths to live in light of our baseline and unwise paths to live in light of our baseline. It may not alter our baseline, but it can and will increase or decrease our ability to operate in mental health.
* Wise living will have a positive impact moving us in the right direction no matter where we start.
* Unwise living will have a negative impact moving us in the wrong direction.
STORY SEGMENT 2
Dingbat liked what he saw with his house and set his mind to taming the land. Taming the land to him meant… fences. Fences show the land, wildlife, and travelers across the fruited plain who is boss. A fence is a barrier to declare his domain.
Dingbat always loved the smell of pine and decided that a fence made of pine around his property would suit him just fine. As he was a bit in the desert, there were no pine trees around for some distance. He went into town to the local mercantile and ordered a whole bunch of pine planks for his fence and had it shipped on the next train into the area. It was a significant expense for the wood, transportation to the nearest town, and to have it delivered to his homestead. He thought it wise spending since it was what he wanted.
Mr. Wise, at the local mercantile, noted how much the bill would be and asked Dingbat what all the pine was for. Dingbat told him about his plan for a horizontal fence so it would seem like he was in a pine forest when he was out and about his property. Mr. Wise noted that no one else in the area had a pine fence because pine has no natural rot resistance, is prone to warping, and insects love it. And… he added, horizontal fences are prone to sag. He suggested a different type of wood and a different design.
Dingbat thought it was wise to do what you want so he put in the order. The order of all the pine wood came in and Dingbat put up a pine fence all around the miles and miles of his property. He had to order three more times because many of the boards were not straight. Lots of the wood became scrap so he had a nice smelling bright fire each night after he worked all day. His fence angled this way and that all the way around his property.
After he was finished, he rode his horse around the boundary of his property and noticed that other than looking like rows and rows of crooked teeth, sagging in some parts, and not being straight anywhere, the fence was just what he wanted. He settled knowing that the fence would probably need more replacing that other kinds of fence, but he was up for the challenge. No problem.
As Dingbat arrived back at his homestead, he noticed a fox on his front porch with one of his free ranging chickens in its mouth! He couldn’t believe it! That particular chicken, whose name was Pollo, was going to be his dinner! Upon seeing the fox, he wondered how the fox got onto his property with the fence up. The fox noticed the human coming and darted to the nearest line of the fence and easily jumped over it off his property.
TRANSITION
So what passage of wisdom from the Bible are we reading from today?
We are going to read from Proverbs 11 and Proverbs 25. These two chapters come in a section most people call “the proverbs of Solomon” or “the words of the wise.” The first section of Proverbs is chapters 1-9 is the introduction of Proverbs which focuses on the need for wisdom, the efforts needed to keep folly away from us, and more than one command to “listen up!” This second section, which we are in covers chapters 10-29. Chapter 30 and chapter 31 are by different people.
BIBLICAL PASSAGE: PROVERBS 11 & 24
We are going to read from these two different chapters because Solomon addresses the same issue in both. He often does this. Topics, thoughts, and situations are not just brought up once in the Proverbs, but is often repeated and looked at from different angles even though the Truth presented is the same. Let’s read from Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 24:3-6:
READ PROVERBS 11:14 (ESV)
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
READ PROVERBS 24:3-6 (ESV)
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, 6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
What do these verses say?
Proverbs 11:14 talks about “guidance” as does Proverbs 24:6. The word in the original language is one that means “wise counsel,” “good advice,” or “strategy.” Because of the way the original language works, there is usually a word picture or image that goes along with a word. This word is the same word used for “pulling ropes” or more specifically “steering a boat by ropes.” The verse is saying people, families, communities, and even a nation needs wise people who guide just like those who run a ship. Wise advice is at the center of each passage.
Proverbs 11:14 talks about “counselors” as does Proverbs 24:6. In keeping with the word picture, the counselors would be the ones pulling the ropes, using the ropes for guidance, or the ones with the strategy on how to guide the ship. While the first word has a flavor of “wise” to it, the word “counselor” is used both positively and negatively in the Bible.
A positive example would be with Moses and his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. On their way out of Egypt, the Israelites passed through Midian and Jethro helped Moses by offering a suggestion and giving him advice. Moses was hearing all the complaints of the people by himself and was exhausted. Jethro talked to Moses and gave him counsel that was good and helpful:
READ EXODUS 18:17-20 (ESV)
“Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.”
A negative example would be King Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 22 is said to have had a wicked counselor. He only reigned on the throne for 1 year which was probably due to the terrible advice given to him:
READ 2 CHRONICLES 22:2-3 (ESV)
“Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri. 3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in doing wickedly.”
As a side note, this same word is used of Jesus Christ in a prophecy about Him:
READ ISAIAH 9:6 (ESV)
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
As we think about these counselors giving wise advice, what is the end result? I think the results are an important part of what these verses communicate to us. What is the end result of wise counsel?
People not falling, but having direction and safety (11:14)
People being established and having a good foundation (24:3)
Life being filled with blessings (24:4)
Strength (24:5)
Knowledge (24:5)
Victory in struggles (24:6)
STORY SEGMENT 3
Dingbat decided that with his house up and his fence up, it was now time to focus on planting
crops. He had a garden in the city before he headed out west and so knew that planting crops was no big deal. Dig, plant, water, grow. No big deal. Dingbat thought it was wise to rely solely on his own past experience. He brought with him pumpkin seeds, corn seeds, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and all the other things he liked to eat. If he liked it, he brought the seeds for it. Dingbat thought that it was not wise to grow food he wasn’t going to eat. Nothing green would be coming out of the ground since he didn’t eat anything green. He even brought some mystery seeds that the person who sold them said would grow ‘money trees.’ He didn’t think money grew on trees, but he bought a dozen just in case because even though it was green, he liked money.
As he was sitting on his front porch planning out what crop would go where on his property, the local preacher happened by and saw that he was on his porch. It was easy to see him over the sagging fence. Reverend Tutor waved. Dingbat went up to the fence and conversed with the minister. Through pleasantries, Dingbat told Reverend Tutor all about his plans for crops. All the while, Reverend Tutor had a questioning look on his face.
Dingbat asked him why he looked puzzled. Reverend Tutor explained that most folks did not grow pumpkins, corn, carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms on “account of it being so desert-like.” He suggested a few kinds of beans, quinoa, pomegranates, oranges, grapefruit, and even chickpeas. Dingbat had never eaten quinoa, pomegranates, grapefruit, or chickpeas so those were out. Reverend Tutor offered to ask the local famers to come and help him decide on crops and where to plant them. After thinking it over, Dingbat decided to stick with his original plan since growing stuff you wouldn’t eat seemed unwise. He quickly planted all the seeds.
BIBLICAL PASSAGE: PROVERBS 11 & 24
I want to remind you of the two passages in Proverbs we read today:
RE-READ PROVERBS 11:14 (ESV)
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
RE-READ PROVERBS 24:3-6 (ESV)
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; 4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, 6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
What do these verses mean? How do we apply them?
I believe these verses collectively tell us that having a trusted community around is a wise advantage as we make our way through life. In keeping with the word picture of “counselor” and “wise advice,” we cannot always steer the ship on our own. Isolation breeds weakness, confusion and collapse. As we think about mental health, when we struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, or trauma, isolating ourselves only makes things worse. King Solomon highlights that trying to figure out life alone leads to falling – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
One of the reasons is that community, and I am thinking specifically about a church community, is a protective family. It SHOULD BE a protective family. YHWH God designed us for counsel and connection. In a broader sense, wise friends who pray for us, pastors, mentors, some therapists, and support groups are a means of God’s safety. Our community can be our safety net and ones who help guide the ropes of life because mental health often requires others’ insight to see what we cannot see in ourselves.
When I think about the word “counselor” I absolutely think about someone who has education and experience when talking about emotions and patterns of thinking. I think about Christian Counselors. I think about therapists. I think about some life coaches and some spiritual directors. I also think about trusted Christian friends, pastoral leaders, accountability partners, and those with life experience who guide us back to truth when we’re stuck in distorted thinking. We all need some kind of “wise counsel” around us.
This led me to think about how one might choose a counselor if seeking one. How might we do that if we were seeking a professional counselor? How do we know if we should listen to a friend or family member when in a struggle or a bad season? Some of the steps are the same for a professional and a non-professional.
#1 Check their foundation: A counselor’s worldview shapes their counsel. I would suggest a counselor or advice-giver that has a Christian foundation, but when seeking a counselor that may not be possible. But you can check into their foundation so you know where they are coming from.
#2 Examine their credentials or examine why you should listen to them: Is the person licensed or certified in counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or a related field? Have they had the same experience that you are dealing with? All good questions to ask. Do not listen to all voices.
#3 Seek recommendations: Ask pastors, elders, mature believers, or trusted friends for referrals. Search through biblical counseling networks if appropriate (ACBC, CCEF directories).
#4 Every time, pray for discernment: Not every voice is equal. Ask God for wisdom, clarity, and courage to pursue counseling and the correct advice-giver. Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare both your heart and the counselor.
In the second Proverbs passage, it mentions building our “house” wisely. I think about our whole selves as the house. Mental health is like constructing a house. It requires…
… wisdom to know what is true
… understanding to see how truth applies
… knowledge of how to apply truth daily.
Just as a physical house collapses without a foundation, so does our inner world without spiritual and practical wisdom having its root in Christ.
Emotional and mental strength comes from understanding. Confusion and chaos weaken mental health, but clear understanding strengthens it. When we understand how our innate personality, sinful nature, and circumstances intersect in our lives for our mental health we understand something very valuable. For example, understanding triggers, sinful or harmful thought patterns, and how Jesus’ teachings apply to us, we are equipped to manage anxiety, depression, or anger with greater strength.
Proverbs 24:6 links all of this to warfare. By wise guidance we can wage our war against the pressure, societal ills, and unwise choices we have made that slam into our mental and emotional health. In an abundance of wise godly counselors, there is victory. Mental health struggles are often spiritual and emotional battles with a physical component thrown in to make it even more difficult. Victory comes not by isolation but by seeking wise guidance, multiple perspectives, and God’s Truth.
STORY SEGMENT 4
Dingbat sat on the slightly sagging porch of the house he built, looking out over the irregular fence, and noted all the seeds he’d planted. He was glad to see that rain was on the way. Just then the Helpfuls rode past in their wagon warning him that a bad storm was coming. After that, Mr. Wise rushed by after a delivery and said he was hurrying because the storm was coming. Reverend Tutor stopped by to make sure Dingbat knew a bad storm front was coming in and offered to take him to the church for shelter.
* Dingbat ignored the Helpfuls and thought it wise to do everything on his own. You will have to decide how the square flat-roofed house sitting too close to the river on soft ground fared in the storm.
* Dingbat ignored the Mr. Wise and thought it wise to do what you want. You will have to decide if the oddly built fence endured through the storm of wind and rain.
* Dingbat ignored Reverend Tutor and thought it wise to rely only on his past experience. You will have to decide if his hastily planted crops would grow in a harsh climate.
Dingbat ignored the Helpfuls. Dingbat ignored the Wise. Dingbat ignored the Reverend. All of them were counselors, but Dingbat wanted to do life all on his own without any help. What is Solomon saying? What is Solomon saying about mental health? What am I saying? What am I saying about mental health and counselors? Don’t be a dingbat.
PRAYER
INVITATION
