Now when we heard these things [about Paul being arrested if he went to Jerusalem], both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:12-15
Still thinking about the difference between “counsel from the godly,” and “godly counsel”…
First, be extra careful (even suspicious) about counsel that comes from the ungodly. Granted, counsel concerning plumbing repair and gallbladder surgery need not come from a godly Christian. In these kinds of matters, just get the best counsel you can from the most qualified you know!
Second, when it comes to things that are of a spiritual nature—even counsel from the godly can be wrong. All who heard Agabus correctly predict that Paul would suffer persecution if he went to Jerusalem “pleaded with Paul not to go.” Though they were presumably godly people who loved Paul, their counsel was wrong.
Third, many things that may not seem to be spiritual have serious spiritual ramifications. Many things are more spiritual than we might first realize. Example: What school to enroll your children in is more spiritual than it is educational, since all education comes with a worldview, be it good or bad. The “best school” educationally may well be the worst school for a person’s spiritual well-being. This is but one example—there are myriads of choices that are more “spiritual” than most are aware of.
Fourth, godly people who love us can easily allow their affections for us to cloud their judgment regarding God’s will. We tend to want those we love to live free from pain and trouble. But don’t we all know that often it is in the midst of difficulties that we experience the most spiritual growth.
The bottom line is two-fold: (a) Let us be wise to reject counsel from the ungodly about matters that have any measure of spiritual importance. (b) Let us test all counsel—even from the godly, because though they may be sincere and want “the best” for us, the Lord’s will may well be very different.