Lessons from the Life of Joseph: The Power of Biblical Counsel

Every life is trademarked by at least one distinctive characteristic or event. Joseph's life is marked by the prophecy of dreams and the giving of biblical counsel. Through all his struggles, he remained faithful to his Lord. Let's see how this trademark of Joseph's life played out and how it relates to common day business.

When Joseph told his family of his vision for the future, he gave biblical counsel. When he was a slave in Potiphar's house, he gave biblical counsel. When he was a prisoner in the jail, he gave biblical counsel. When he spoke with the butler and the baker, he gave biblical counsel. When he spoke with Pharaoh, he gave biblical counsel. Notice a trend? No matter what environment, who he spoke to, or whatever the consequences might be - he gave biblical counsel. He was consistent. He had found a reliable and trusted source for wisdom and leaned on it to guide himself and others. How does that relate to us? There is great wisdom to be found in the humbling of oneself and submitting to the wisdom of those who have gone on before and to find value in the experience of others. Joseph relied on God. He was always able to interpret dreams and give counsel, because he simply relayed what God had told him. Such counsel from industry experts can be invaluable to new business owners.

More importantly than just giving biblical counsel...Joseph followed biblical counsel. We see this in his saving of Egypt from the great famine. He gave a plan and executed it. What good is counsel that is not adhered to? The best counsel is the wise counsel that is followed. The worst is the wise counsel that is not. If you humble yourself enough to accept the counsel of others. Consider it and give it due diligence. If it has merit... FOLLOW IT. Follow it and considered yourself blessed for receiving it. Someone bore the pain of learning that lesson alone so that you didn't have to.

Counsel can make or break a business. Those who find a reliable source that has merit, are fortunate. Take advantage of counsel, and don't be afraid to pass on what you have been able to learn. It exemplifies the biblical pattern.