Shows / Wise Counsel
Wise Counsel
Welcome to Wise Counsel, a daily five-minute devotional hosted by RM Smith. Each episode dives deep into biblical scholarship and Ancient Near Eastern context, offering concise insights into Scripture to illuminate its timeless truths and practical applications. Join RM Smith as he explores the cultural and historical backgrounds that enrich our understanding of God's Word, equipping you to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and discernment. Tune in for your daily dose of spiritual…
Episodes
- Wise Counsel
217. Ancient_debt_slavery_and_the_interest_ban
217. Ancient_debt_slavery_and_the_interest_ban
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216. Ancient_Israelite_Rituals_of_Spiritual_Decontamination
Ancient_Israelite_Rituals_of_Spiritual_Decontamination
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215. Guard Your Steps: Reverence, Worship, and “Welcoming the Spirit”
215. Guard Your Steps: Reverence, Worship, and “Welcoming the Spirit” Podcast Description: In this episode, we explore Ecclesiastes 5:1–2 (ESV): “Guard your…
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214. Leaving Enough: The Gleaning Ethic for Today
🎙️ Wise Counsel Podcast – Episode 214 Title: “Leaving Enough: The Gleaning Ethic for Today”Scripture Focus: Leviticus 19:9–10 (ESV) Podcast DescriptionIn this…
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213. The Freedom of Letting Go: Lessons from the Year of Release
🎙️ Wise Counsel Podcast – Episode 213 Title: “The Freedom of Letting Go: Lessons from the Year of Release”Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 15:1–3 (ESV) Podcast…
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212. Set Apart: The Nazirite Calling for Everyday Life
🎙️ Wise Counsel Podcast – Episode 212 Title: “Set Apart: The Nazirite Calling for Everyday Life”Scripture Focus: Numbers 6:1–21 (ESV) Podcast DescriptionIn…
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211. What It Really Means to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain
Most Christians think “taking the Lord’s name in vain” means saying “Oh my God” casually. But in Exodus 20:7, this commandment goes far deeper—it’s about…
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210. The Sacred Space of Birth: When Life Meets Holiness
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith explores Leviticus 12, which addresses ritual uncleanness after childbirth. While it may sound strange—or even…
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209. Love That Redeems the Broken Line
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith explores Deuteronomy 25:5–10, the commandment about Levirate marriage—when a man was asked to marry his deceased…
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208. Success Without Surrender
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith explores Deuteronomy 17:16–17, where God instructs Israel’s kings not to multiply horses, wives, or gold. At…
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207. Tithing and the Generous Heart
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith explores what Scripture truly teaches about tithing and generosity, reading from 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (ESV). Many…
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206. Ink and Identity: What the Bible Really Says About Tattoos
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores the often-quoted command in Leviticus 19:28 about tattoos. Is this a timeless ban on body art—or…
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205. Pure Threads: Why God Forbade Mixing Fabrics
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Leviticus 19:19, where God commands Israel not to wear garments made of mixed fabrics. To modern…
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204. The Milk and the Meat: Why God Forbade Boiling a Goat in Its Mother’s Milk
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores the strange-sounding command in Exodus 23:19—“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s…
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203. The Edge of Holiness: Why Leviticus Forbids Trimming Beards
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith unpacks one of the Old Testament’s most puzzling commands: Leviticus 19:27 — “You shall not round off the…
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202. Are We Robbing God? Rethinking Malachi 3
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith examines one of the most quoted — and most misunderstood — passages on giving: Malachi 3:8–10. Often used to…
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201. When Wisdom Turns to Wealth: Solomon and the 666 Talents
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores 1 Kings 10:14–11:8, where Solomon’s golden age begins to tarnish. What happens when divine wisdom…
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52. Redeeming Time: The Theology Behind Christmas Dates
Why do Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25—or January 6—or even September 11? Are these dates rooted in pagan traditions, theological patterns, or…
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51. Redeeming Traditions: Can Culture Glorify Christ?
🎄 Are Christmas trees and holiday lights pagan? What about gift-giving or Santa Claus? In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore how Christians can engage…
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50. Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith reflects on Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” The writer of…
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49. The Hope of Eternal Life
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith unpacks Titus 1:2: “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” Eternal…
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48. When All Things Work Together for Good
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith reflects on Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” This…
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47. Hope Anchored in God’s Promises: Jeremiah 29:11
Today’s Wise Counsel episode dives deep into Jeremiah 29:11, a timeless passage speaking of hope amid uncertainty. Exploring the original context and its…
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46. The Temple and God's Presence
In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith explores the story of God’s Temple Presence from Solomon’s temple filled with glory, to the Second Temple where…
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45. Sabbath
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore the true meaning of Sabbath through the lens of Genesis 2:1–3. Was God’s “rest” about inactivity—or about His…
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44. A New Song of Praise
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith reflects on Psalm 33:1–3, a call to “sing a new song” and to worship the Lord with joy, skill, and…
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43. Micah 6:8
In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Micah 6:6–8, where the prophet calls God’s people not to empty ritual, but to justice, mercy…
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42. No Condemnation: The Freedom of Romans 8
Romans 8 opens with a thunderous truth: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In this short devotional, we explore the liberating…
- Wise Counsel
41. Unashamed: Living Boldly for Christ
In a world where faith is often sidelined or silenced, what does it mean to live unashamed of the gospel? In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith…
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40. Psalm 91: Finding Refuge in God’s Protection
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Psalm 91, a passage rich in imagery and spiritual depth. Often turned to in times of crisis or uncertainty, this…
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39. Yahweh’s Kingship in Psalm 90: A Deuteronomy 32 Reflection
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we reflect on Psalm 90, the only psalm attributed to Moses, alongside the profound theological vision of Deuteronomy 32…
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38. The Divine Council Worldview
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore the Divine Council worldview—a biblically grounded yet often overlooked theme that illuminates God’s authority, the…
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37. Yahweh’s Kingship in Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord
In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Psalm 29—not just as majestic poetry, but as a strategic spiritual declaration. In its ancient Near Eastern…
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36. Yahweh’s Kingship in Psalm 24: A Deeper Understanding
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we unpack Psalm 24 not merely as a beautiful hymn, but as a bold theological polemic. Rooted in the ancient Near Eastern…
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35. The Supremacy of Yahweh
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Psalm 24 and Psalm 29, two ancient hymns that assert Yahweh’s cosmic authority using language deliberately aimed at…
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34. The Shepherd’s Care
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we turn to the timeless words of Psalm 23, a passage cherished across generations for its tender imagery of God as our…
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33. The Great Commission and the Cosmic Reclaiming of the Nations
In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Matthew 28:16–20, the Great Commission—not just as a call to missions, but as a declaration of cosmic authority…
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32. Why You Don’t Have to Feel God to Know He’s There
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore the transforming reality of God’s indwelling presence through 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you are…
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31 Jesus said: Look at the birds.
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we reflect on Matthew 6:25–34, a key moment from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where He addresses the universal struggle of…
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30. Living the Beatitudes
In today’s episode, host Robert Smith explores the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1–12, revealing how Jesus’s blessings flip our cultural values upside down…
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29. Songs in the Night: Worship Amid Suffering (Job 35:10)
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Job 35:10, where Elihu poses a question to Job and his friends: “Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the…
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28. Wheels, Wings, and the Throne: Understanding Ezekiel’s Vision
On today’s Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Ezekiel 1 — one of the Bible’s most mysterious and symbolically charged passages. What did Ezekiel really…
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27. Dreams in the Pit: Hope When Life Turns Against You
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith reflects on the most inspiring aspect of Genesis 37—God's providence at work through suffering and betrayal…
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26. Jubal and the Music of Exile: Creativity After Eden
In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Genesis 4:21 and the often-overlooked figure of Jubal, the “father of all who play the lyre and…
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25. The Forgotten Family Tree: Esau, Edom, and the God of All Nations
In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Genesis 36, a chapter often skimmed but rich in theological depth. What can we learn from a…
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24. Genesis 1 and the Rhythm of Creation: Worship Woven Into the World
On this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Genesis 1:1–31 as more than a story of beginnings—it is a poetic, structured proclamation of God’s…
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23. The Stars That Sang: Job 38:7 and the Celestial Witness
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores the mystery and majesty of Job 38:7, where God describes the moment of creation with poetic…
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22. Genesis 35 and the Call to Renewal: Lessons from Jacob and Lincoln
On this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Genesis 35 as a moment of personal and national renewal. Drawing from biblical scholarship and U.S…
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21. Glory, Unity, and Mission: Understanding John 17
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith walks listeners through the profound prayer of Jesus in John 17, often called the "High Priestly Prayer."…
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20. The Mark of Allegiance: Living Out Deuteronomy 6:8
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Deuteronomy 6:8 and its deeper meaning beyond a literal mark. What does it mean to bind God’s commandments to our…
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19. The Origins and Nature of the Biblical Chaos Monster
What exactly is Leviathan—a sea monster, a myth, a metaphor for chaos? In this episode of the Wise Counsel Podcast, we dive deep into the biblical and ancient…
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18. Set Free by Truth: Recognizing and Overcoming Gaslighting through God's Word
In this heartfelt and empowering episode, we explore the subtle yet damaging tactic of gaslighting—where individuals are manipulated into doubting their own…
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17. The Heart of the Gospel: A Devotional on John 3:16
In just one verse, the entire message of the Gospel comes into focus. In this five-minute devotional, we reflect on John 3:16—the depth of God's love, the gift…
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16. The Word Became Flesh: A Five-Minute Devotional on John 1
In this five-minute devotional, we explore the opening verses of John’s Gospel, where Jesus is revealed as the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, and the…
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15. Believing Loyalty: The Faith of Abram in Genesis 15
In this devotional, we explore Genesis 15 and the profound moment when Abram (later Abraham) is reassured by God of His promises, despite his doubts and lack…
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14. Genesis 1 - A Polemic of Creation and Sovereignty
Welcome, friends! In today’s episode, we journey through Genesis 1, uncovering its deep theological layers and examining how it serves as a polemic against the…
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13. Did Yahweh Yawn at Solomon’s Temple?
In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore one of the most significant themes in biblical theology: the concept of God's temple and His presence among His…
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12. Jacob’s Ladder and the Tower of Babel—Accessing God on His Terms
In this episode of Wise Counsel, host R.M. Smith explores a striking biblical connection between Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28 and the Tower of Babel in Genesis…
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11. Love Never Fails
In this episode, we explore the timeless truths of 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "Love Chapter." The apostle Paul teaches us that love is more than a…