9 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit no. 6

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

Highly effective people do not act only on sudden feelings or quick decisions. They value wisdom more than impulse, and they do not believe they have to do everything alone. The Bible teaches us a powerful truth: when people isolate themselves, their judgment becomes weak but wise counsel helps shape a strong destiny.

Many failures in life do not happen because people didn’t pray. They happen because people refused to listen. They ignored advice, correction, or warning signs that could have saved them from trouble.

God never designed anyone to grow, succeed, or fulfil purpose alone. Greatness is built in community, through guidance, accountability, and godly counsel. When we are willing to listen and learn from others, our lives become safer, stronger, and far more effective.

1. Wisdom Is a Safeguard, Not a Delay

In a fast-paced world, counsel is often mistaken for hesitation. Yet the Bible presents wisdom as protection, not procrastination.

Proverbs warns,

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 20:18).

Highly effective people pause long enough to hear God through godly voices. They know that speed without wisdom produces regret. Even Jesus, though full of the Spirit, submitted to earthly authority in His early years.

⁵¹ Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men. (Luke 2:51–52).

Wisdom does not weaken faith—it stabilises it.

2. Pride Rejects Counsel; Humility Receives It

Scripture consistently links downfall to pride. Rehoboam ignored the counsel of the elders and followed the advice of peers and a kingdom fractured (1 Kings 12). His failure was not spiritual ignorance, but arrogant independence.

By contrast, David repeatedly inquired of the Lord and surrounded himself with mighty men and prophets (1 Samuel 23:2; 2 Samuel 23). He understood that humility keeps authority intact.

James reinforces this posture:

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Highly effective people invite correction before crisis forces it. They build a team around them, and that’s what you need to do as well.

3. God Often Speaks Through People

While God speaks directly through His Word and Spirit, Scripture shows He frequently confirms direction through people. Moses needed Jethro’s counsel to survive leadership pressure (Exodus 18). Paul relied on spiritual fathers and companions

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1–3).

Ignoring godly counsel does not make one spiritual—it makes one vulnerable.

Highly effective believers test revelations, weigh decisions, and submit plans to trusted spiritual authority. They understand this principle:

God’s guidance is often multilayered.

4. Counsel Protects You From Self-Deception

The human heart can deceive (Jeremiah 17:9). This is why accountability is not optional, it is protective. Proverbs says,

“He who listens to counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).

Highly effective people do not surround themselves with “yes-men.” They welcome voices that tell the truth, even when it stings. Correction received early prevents consequences later.

Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to guard doctrine and conduct through teaching and mentorship (1 Timothy 4:16). Growth thrives where correction is embraced.

Highly effective people build networks of wisdom—spiritual mentors, accountability partners, and godly peers. They know that destiny flourishes in community.

This is Habit No. 6.

Those who value counsel walk safer paths, make wiser decisions, and sustain effectiveness across seasons.

Bible Reading: Genesis 42-44

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9 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit no. 6

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