Biblical word study

Running Head: Compare & Contrast of Biblical and Professional views on counseling

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast biblical views of counseling with those of professional views of counseling. Counseling has always been view from a professional perspective, and the biblical perspective has never been of interest until now. Many don’t see how the bible provides the foundation for professional counseling. The two worlds intertwine together to give the client mind, body, and soul to become whole again. Through the research study it will be found how biblical views of counseling relate to professional views of counseling. The study will give professional counseling’s the ability to incorporate biblical interventions with their clients.

Compare & Contrast of Biblical and Professional views on counseling In the past counseling methods, tools, and interventions have been based on a professional view of counseling. In today’s society counseling approach is being demonstrated outside of private offices. Counseling can be seen through biblical theology as it relates to understanding the individual as a whole. This paper will describe biblical and professional approaches to counseling. Through the use of a word study, compare and contrast of the two methods, and personal reflection we will see how the two views are alike but yet so different.

Biblical Words Related to Counseling
The word study was conducted through the use of various bible tools such as dictionaries, concordance, and commentaries. The researcher picked five words that are used in counseling to examine their origin, and usage in the Bible. Upon finding the words the researcher then used a concordance along with a dictionary to obtain their definition. The commentary allowed the research insight to a particular Bible scripture where the term is used. The researcher finally reads through scriptures and discovers how the words are use throughout the Old and New Testaments.

The researcher studied words such as counsel, advice, purpose, instruction, and help. The key theme reappearing was to look to God and through him you will find yourself. Through scripture God betrays his story and how he overcame trails and tribulations. The scriptures portrayed how counseling was used back then compared to today’s world.

Purpose
The word purpose in the biblical setting means give counsel, deliberate, and determination. It is deviated from the Hebrew noun yaas which is illustrated in the Old Testament. In Greek language the word is boule that is illustrated in the New Testament. Purpose occurs thirty-six times in thirty-five verses in the King James Version of the bible. It is translated eight times through the Bible. Purpose relates to giving advice, or counsel to someone or for one’s own self. Old Testament Usage

“Health can be experienced in relationships with God and others; health involves a willingness to change; and health is a choice” (Long, M. 2004) Throughout the Old Testament the stories reveal God’s will and how one should live according. In Psalm 119 it states, “Walk according to the law of the lord” (Richards, L, 1991). In dealing with trails and tribulations in life one must follow in God’s laws and be obedient to his will. Psalms 119 continues to state to allow God to shine in your heart, spirit, and trust only in his word to be just and true.

Psalms is not the only story that portals of God’s purpose and power in Exodus (9:16) God states that he raised us up to show us the power he has, and to honor his name throughout earth. It is important when God test us to see how loyal we are to him and showing us our flaws to be committed to him. In this testament God is being revealed to everyone, from what he can do and how he plans on doing it. “God stands in the center of history as one who acts; he has a goal in what he does, nothing can thwart his plan. His purpose is consistently related to what he does in the world.

The New Testament approach is center on living God’s spirit righteousness whereas the Old Testament deals with trying the laws. Romans 8 states, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (V.28 King James Version) People work towards one goal of allowing God’s light to shine through them in many areas. “For whom he did foreknow, he did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (v. 29 KJV).” God had our lives predestinated before we were born to become the image of his son.

In Ephesians Paul states that God works everything out under Christian conformity through the purpose of his will. God’s purpose is a revealing theme for The old and new testament of the Bible. It gives background information of God from the beginning then states his plan for the people on earth and how we should follow him and allow his spirit grow and shine within us. God is our teacher, leader, and we the people must look to him to reveal to us what is right.

Advice
It is derived from the Greek word gnome which means an opinion as to what ought to be done, either by oneself, and so a resolve, or purpose or by others, and so, judgment. (www.blueletterbilble.org) there are other terms related to the word such as judgment, mind, purpose, and will. Advice is the result of knowledge where advise is the result of determination. Advice and advise is related to the term counsel in the bible. Advice is translated one- hundred eighty-nine times in the Old Testament and only nine times in the New Testament. Old Testament usage:

In I King (12:8-10) describe how king Rehoboam consulted with older man to receive advice how to answer the people. He went against the older man counselors and threatens to make the tax burden even heavier. This scripture describes how important it is to seek advice from others the choice of whose advice is the best to follow is up to us. Rehoboam was foolish for not following the older counselor advice. Jeroboam becomes fearful and is out to be disobedient and ignore the promise given to him by the Lord. It illustrates that we need to not disregard God’s promise, and act out of fear. “Human wisdom often dictates one course while faith calls us to risk another. (Long, M. 1991).”

Proverbs 12:15(New International Version) “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Don’t allow your foolish ways be shown and known to everyone.” When you speak talk of honesty and truth. In Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” The more you listen to God’s advice you will be wiser later in life. Job 26:3 states how you can you offer someone advice when with such great insight but have no wisdom? How can you help and guide someone else without first following God’s example.

New Testament Usage:
The new testament starting in 1Timothy it states,
[“Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mother; the younger as sisters, with all purity.] (KJV, 1962) In these two scriptures we see Paul advising Timothy to treat everyone with respect from the eldest to the youngest. Treat them as you wish to be treated and show them all the respect you would give your own mother, father, brother, and sister. In 2Corinithians according to the KJV, “And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.” (8:10-12) Paul is saying it is not the amount of offer you give, but the fact you are willing to give that is what pleases God. You have followed in his footsteps remembering how he gave everything to enrich our lives.

Within the New Testament it states seek God’s kingdom and don’t worry so much about material items and pleasing others. In Matthew 6:31-33 KJV it reads, “ [“Therefore take no though, saying, what shall we eat? Or, what shall we drink? Or, where-withal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for yor heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all these things? (v.32) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (v.33)”] Live your life for Christ and not worrying about earthly thing, and you follow his guidance and teaching you will receive many blessing upon you.

The usage of advice in both the old and New Testament told of counseling to an individual. The stories entail in the Old Testament to not go against advice from older wiser men. Never fear God and focus on your own judgment listen to his teachings. Whereas in the New testament it states remember what God sacrificed for us and be willing to give and sacrifice to help others for you will be blessed in return. As well as don’t worry about keeping up with the Jones and how good you look on the outside. Let your light shine from the inside. Instruction

The word instruction occurs thirty-three times in the KJV of thirty-three scriptures. Instruction is translated six times throughout the New Testament and fifty times in the Old Testament. (www.Blueletterbible.org) In the Old Testament Instruction means discipline, chastening, correction. In the New Testament it means training and educating of children and care of the body. Together both the Old and New Testament usage of the instructions is related to inner body correction, and discipline. On one hand instruction usage in the New Testament relates to child rearing and discipline and correction. In the Old Testament it relates to chastening.

Old Testament usage:
In the book of Job (33:16-33) it describes how Job three friends accused him of sin and that is why he is suffering. A stranger named Elihu comes to Job with an alternative logic that God instructs human beings through suffering and loss. Job could not rebuttal Elihu logic, and saw he was loss in his own theology of why God was treating him this way. (Richards, L.2004) The important message is, “Suffering can have a redemptive purpose and there will always be an element of mystery in Go’s dealings with us. We need to accept this and remain unshaken in our trust.” (Richards, L. 2004).

In keeping with never losing your trust in the Lord, Proverbs 1; 2-7 states clearly No skill is perfected without discipline, and when a person has skill he has freedom to create something beautiful. (Nelson, 1995) It is better for someone to be wise and follow God’s will by being sensitive to him, submits to him, and applies his guidelines through their daily choices. Yet you have to provide some form of correction and discipline such as discipline your child so he may grow to be a praiseworthy adult. For, “God disciplines those who trust him to help us grow toward moral and spiritual maturity.” (Richards, L. 2004).

New Testament Usage:
Just like the Old Testament the New Testament reminds us to trust in God and no matter what challenges arise to never lose our faith. Always keep a relationship with God. II Timothy 3:16 describes, “Don’t let anyone undermine your confidence in God’s word.” (Richards, L. 2004) Despite the corruption within the church continue to follow God’s instructions and teachings. Find strength in God study and read his words in the scriptures they contain everything needed to equip God’s people for every good work.

In Philippians we see that Paul is saying find contentment in God, for go to him with your problems and leave them in his hands. Don’t stress and worry about the situation after you pray about it, allows God to do his job. Within God you will find real joy and that he will never fail. Again as stated in a similar verse don’t feel guilty for your financial offering for it is pleasing to God, and in the end you will be rewarded.

Counsel
Counsel means to advice, consult, and give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, and plan. Depending on whether counsel is used as a noun, verb, or femine noun or verb it is translated 226 in the Old Testament. Twenty-five times in the New Testament. Related words counselor, determined, is minded, together, and lay foundation. Within the Old and New Testament counsel follows the same definition. Counselor lays the foundation for future issues that assist and how one should handle them.

Old Testament Usage:
Here is a scripture discussing a mistake that was common back then and common in today’s society. In Joshua 9:14 it states, “Don’t make the mistake Israel did” (Richards, L. 2004). The Israelites choice to take the Gibeonites at face value based on their physical appearance. The Israelites and the Gibeonites sworn to a peace treaty in God’s name. The Israelites learn that the Gibeonites were really neighbors. In hindsight they made the mistake of taking a person at their word and not seeking God’s guidance. It reminds us to not only rely on our understanding but God’s guidance as well.

New Testament usage:
In the Old Testament it was seen that the Israelites made a mistake by not seeking God’s guidance. In the New Testament we see a similar theme that, “our salvation is a foundation to build on, not a shaky scaffold to cling to in fear. (Richards, L., 2004).” It can be seen that in Hebrews 6:17 you can be sure that God promise is guaranteed and he cannot lie and his promise was confirmed with a sworn oath. God is reassuring his people he is the anchor to their soul and validates it to allow us to grow maturity. If you are a true believer in God you have no reason to be on the fence and backward, only move forward. Help

Help occurs 126 times in 117 verses in the KJV Bible. In the Old Testament help means salvation, deliverance. In the New Testament help means to work together help in work, be partner in labour. The Old Testament translated help 317 time whereas the New Testament translated 21 times. The concept of helped in both testaments was viewed as working together with someone. In the Old Testament referred more towards salvation and deliverance. The word help can be used in different contents from noun, to adjective.

Old Testament Usage:
In 2Chronicles we see the story of Asa and how during a batter war he seeks the Lord to help in their fight. “Asa could rely on the Lord in wartime because he had sought God when there was peace! (Richards, L. 2004).” When you are with the Lord he is with you. This forms a commitment to the Lord when you are at peace. Rely on God as the source of help and focusing in his direction bring us peace and prosperity.

In this scripture we see how Asa remained true to his faith and believes in God. In the Old Testament it describes that at anytime you can call on God to help in assist you. Through many life experience of temptation or sins it important to remain dedicated to the Lord he will see us through. In this scripture we see an individual can go to the lord at anytime in private to ask for strength, guidance, and assistance during turmoil. The theme of this scripture God is always around and waiting to assistance you, you have to stay committed to him.

New Testament Usage:
The New Testament approach on helping someone is saying don’t have any conflict in walk in faith. It states biblical that, “A faith that is all talk and no actions is no faith at all.” (Richards, L, 2004). This ties to counseling because taking that step to seek help means you want a change in your life. The scripture entails that you can’t just walk the walk and not show some action. It is important to work towards a goal or plan and really commit to that. Show God that you are a follower of his words by being involved in church as gate keepers, singing songs of praise, and being obedient to his will. Counseling begins with the individual dealing with a major issue in life and seeking the assistance, and guidance of someone to come to a resolution. The counselor is to listen to the client’s issue that brought them there. Then discuss with the client what you hear them saying and how counseling will go about addressing their situation. [“Basically, it means that the goal in counseling’s to work the “rest” that Jesus offers down into the hearts and lives of people so that they love God and Love people well, in spite of the mess in which they live in (Averbeck, R. 2006).”] Therefore the paper will compare biblical and professional views of counseling, contrast of biblical and professional views of counseling, and personal application.

Similarities between Biblical views and professional views of counseling In both Biblical views and professional views of counseling is about “helping a client to constructive change.” (Buford, R. 1997). Within both views of counseling there are ethical codes to follow. Biblical and professional counselors both use inform consent as a key ethical guideline. Informed consent allows, “Clients have the right to freely choose what values and beliefs they want influencing the counseling process. (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002)” The client and counselor have an opportunity to discuss how the counseling process with go and what is expected of them.

Another way Biblical views is similar to professional views is within the process. The three key elements are Goal-oriented, a sense of greater maturity, and diversity. Both views of counseling want to focus on a main goal of the client. As the client is working through their issue it allows for growth and maturity. There is diversity within the counseling profession types of counseling such as gender, education, licensure, and the setting where practice happens.

Seen in both Professional and Biblical views of counseling is for counselors to have some form of continue trainings through continuing education. Counselors need to enhance their current skills with the updated methods used in counseling. Counselors need to understand the new treatments and practice of clients is always being created. In order for counselors in both Biblical and Professional views to be effective counselors they must inquire new skills, so they may work with more diversity populations. Differences in Biblical and Professional views of counseling In Biblical counseling is center on an individual’s inner soul, mind, and body. The Biblical view highlights stories told in the Bible about God’s life and other individuals who along the way had to deal with trials and tribulations. “The only good and right thing to do with it is to run to God and submit it to him and his guidance in our lives. Without him we have no hope in this life or in the next.” (Averbeck, R. 2006).

In Biblical counseling it is understood that the principals applied in church, and family can be applied to our everyday lifestyles. According to one study it states, [“The family exists to propagate the race and to provide a safe and secure haven in which to nurture, teach and love the younger generation. The church exists to minister to individuals and families by sharing the love of God and the message of repentance and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The government exists to maintain cultural equilibrium and to provide a framework for social order.”]
(Guyette, F.)

The above statement sums up the whole essence of Biblical view of counseling and it’s intended to society. Church, Family, and Government are the three key elements to normalizing society within a frame work of guidance and laws. In the biblical counseling illustrates the importance of knowing God and practicing under is laws will make you a wiser person. On the other head Professional counseling is centered on the individual’s,” kinds of psychological, emotional, and relational distresses described in the diagnostic and Statistic Manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV).” (Burfford, R. 1997).In a sense professional counseling is linked in usage of a social work, medicine and psychology framework. Again the main goal of Biblical counseling is spiritual evangelism and discipleship. Professional counseling seeks to alleviate outside influences that affect an effect on the person’s behavior.

The Professional Counseling uses five moral principles to Guide decision making within the clients. These are Autonomy, nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Fidelity, and Veracity. In Biblical counseling two authors created seven virtues that Christian counselors should follow. Out of the seven virtues they compare to the five moral principles in professional counseling. By stating the expectations of both the client and the counseling throughout the counseling process. The difference lies with the seventh virtue Suffeability to stay with your client through the painful areas of their lives.(Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002). It allows a closer connection between the counselor and client to obtain strength from the Lord, and ultimately Christian maturity like nothing else in the world.

Overall Professional and Biblical views on counseling compare more with a slight contrast in certain areas. Where Professional focus on the individual’s outside factors influence their behaviors. Biblical uses Biblical theology to heal the person from within to out and gain that ultimate closeness and intimate relationship with God. Biblical views differ in the use of techniques and topic compared to Professional views. Biblical and Professional views contrast on the personal character of the counselor’s motivation.

Personal Application
In completing the word study part of the assignment it opened my eyes to see how the Bible truly relates to the field of counseling. In the use of the old adage it states, “The Bible is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” This reign true through the scriptures of God’s journey on earth till he died. The Old Testament is a brief history and overview of God’s power, grace, and mercy while on earth. Through the struggles of the major and minor prophets they learned to lean on the Lord. In leaning on the Lord you will find he will guide you along that narrow and wicked journey of life. Through his teachings, preaching’s, and guidance you will be sure to live a life in his son’s image.

The New testament allowed God to close the gap between the Old and New testament by creating a new Covenant between him and the people. It is the sum of God’s little time he had left on earth. Still within that short time frame he did so much and again allowed his light to shine to us, as an a example to live by. This is an example how the two Testaments compare in contrast in counseling. Although the Hebrew and Greek language was of difference a major theme revealed throughout the stories. It is to Always trust in the Lord for guidance in assistance no matter how big or small the storm is. While other things may fail you, God will never fail you and he will continue to walk with you as long as you believe in him.

In my job profession allow God’s light to shine through me and be a vessel to someone else out there. No matter where your setting for counseling is remain equally yoked with the Lord. In providing counselor to others be mindful of your values and morals and honest. Not only in the work setting but in my personal life with my family and church I should do things that are pleasing in God’s eyes. In the end I will be blessed and rewarded. The education and training preparation for my profession I need to Keep God first and the head of my life, by praying and allowing his spirit to enter my mind, body and soul.