Convincing Counsel

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end… The counsel of the LORD, that shall stand… Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.  An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools” (Proverbs 19:20-29).  “This I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words” (Colossians 2:4).

Consider the counsel that you are receiving;

We cannot afford to be wrong in the end.

The counsel of scorners would have us believing

That there is no standard that we can defend.

The counsel of God shall undoubtedly stand;

Instruction that differs from His is a lie.

No one is wise who has otherwise planned,

And no other standard prepares us to die.

This is what God has so urgently said

With counsel He sent by the Gospel to warn:  

Judgment is coming!  Do not be misled

By those who would cause you to err by their scorn!

There’s simply no reason to be thus enticed,

Since God has made public the proof of salvation: 

His prophets have spoken so clearly of Christ,

And perfect fulfillment provides confirmation.

O Lord, we’re surrounded by those who are saying,

“Now where is your God?” in our markets and schools.

Yet judgment, which You are by mercy delaying,

Is surely prepared for the scorners and fools.

We thank You, O Lord, for Your counsel of peace,

Extending salvation at so great a cost!

So teach us to speak so that others may cease

From hearing the counsel deceiving the lost.