Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Bad Counsel?
13 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Bad Counsel in the Bible
What does the Bible say about bad counsel? Browse 15 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Bad Counsel
- 1Job 42:7
“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.”
KJV - 2Psalms 1:1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ungodly: or, wicked”
KJV - 3Proverbs 11:14
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
KJV - 4Proverbs 12:5
“The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.”
KJV - 5Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
KJV - 6Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken”
KJV - 7Proverbs 14:7
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
KJV - 8Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
KJV - 9Proverbs 19:20
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
KJV - 10Proverbs 24:6
“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Bad Counsel? (13 Verses)
“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.”
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ungodly: or, wicked”
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
“The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.”
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken”
“Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. by: Heb. from the counsel of the soul”
“But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. imagination: or, stubbornness went: Heb. were”
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Bad Counsel
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about bad counsel. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about bad counsel and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about bad counsel is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on bad counsel needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about bad counsel with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about bad counsel, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Bad Counsel?
You have studied 13 verses about bad counsel. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.