Treasure Principle: Counsel

Somebody once said that the tuition at The School of Hard Knocks is very expensive. Most of us go through life skinning our knees and elbows by making mistakes. Hopefully, we learn, but the consequences are still there. This “trial-and-error” method is not only time consuming, but it can also wreak havoc on your finances.

There is a better way. The Bible is filled with great instruction on finances. If you want to be successful in this area, start by following God’s principles. The Psalmist puts it this way:

“…Thy servant meditates on Thy statues. Thy testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:23, 24)

 

This is your most important filter; if Scripture is clear, you can put the matter to rest.

The Lord also puts people in our lives to help us be better financial managers.

1. Spouse—If you are married, God has created your spouse as a helpmate. Husbands and wives need each other to provide proper balance. If both of you aren't comfortable with a decision, it’s probably time to hit the pause button. Your helpmate may have insight that you don’t have—take the time to listen.

2. Parents—Don’t overlook the counsel of your parents, especially if they have modeled stewardship. Book knowledge is great, but life experience is hard to beat.

3. Advisors—Finally, seek the advice of other godly men and women. It’s OK to gather facts, but request advice only from advisors with a Christian perspective. You may find value in getting the opinion of many different people. Scripture says it like this:

“Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14)

 

Most importantly, go directly to the Lord and seek His direction. Isaiah 9:6 tells us
that one of God’s names is “Wonderful Counselor.” He earnestly seeks a personal relationship with us and welcomes the chance to guide us down the right path. David wrote about this in Psalm 32:8:

“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”

The views are those of Bruce Olmstead and not those of Summit Brokerage Services. Investments in securities do not offer a fix rate of return. Principal, yield and/or share price will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and, when sold or redeemed, you may receive more or less than originally invested.  No system or financial planning strategy can guarantee future results