Wise Counsel

About 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 nourishment!

Publisher

RM Smith

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Oct 2024

Latest episode

7 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

136 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Nov 2026

   Gods, Men, and Blasphemy: What Jesus Really Meant in John 10

   Episode Summary:When Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one," the religious authorities immediately picked up stones to accuse him of blasphemy. But how does Jesus' unexpected quotation of Psalm 82:6 ("I said, you are gods") in John 10:34 serve as a defense of His deity rather than a retreat into ordinary mortality? In this episode, we unpack the conventional "mortal view" that reduces the text to human judges and explore the explosive alternative: the ancient Divine Council context. Discover how Jesus wasn't arguing that "we are all just ordinary mortals," but was instead reminding His opponents of non-human divine sons—ultimately staking His claim not just as a divine son, but as the unique Lord of the Council. Dive past the surface-level milk and get into the textual meat of John 10, the supernatural worldview of the Bible, and how Jesus boldly defended His ontological oneness with the Father.

2. 

   6 Nov 2026

   When the Supernatural Challenges Our Theology: Answering Listener Objections

   Why does the supernatural worldview of the Bible create such strong resistance among some Evangelical Christians? Is the Divine Council, the Sons of God, and God’s relationship to the seventy nations truly inconsistent with His character, sovereignty, and holiness? Or are these objections rooted in theological assumptions that deserve closer examination? In this episode of Wise Counsel, we respond directly to listener concerns about our exploration of the Bible’s supernatural worldview. We address the objection that the Divine Council contradicts the nature of God, examine the criticism that we rely too heavily on biblical scholarship, and consider whether Christians should simply read Scripture at face value through our modern English translations. We also explore the relationship between biblical literalism, literary genre, symbolism, and authorial intent. Using our recent discussion of Revelation and the New Jerusalem’s relationship to the sun as a case study, we consider why interpreting Scripture faithfully sometimes requires recognizing apocalyptic imagery, prophetic language, and ancient literary conventions. Throughout the discussion, we distinguish responsible biblical scholarship from theological speculation, demonstrate the importance of historical and cultural context, and examine the biblical evidence rather than appealing to scholarly authority alone. Drawing from the Old Testament, the New Testament, ancient Near Eastern backgrounds, and Second Temple Jewish literature, we address these objections with theological depth and pastoral sensitivity. Our goal is not to dismiss traditional interpretations or to win an argument. It is to help listeners reconsider their assumptions, understand the biblical text more fully, and recognize that recovering Scripture’s supernatural worldview does not undermine biblical Christianity—it may actually illuminate the larger story of God’s sovereignty, redemption, and purposes for the nations. Join us for a thoughtful, Scripture-centered conversation about the challenges of biblical interpretation, the authority of God’s Word, and the importance of allowing Scripture to shape our theology rather than forcing the text into our preexisting expectations.

3. 

   6 Nov 2026

   The Divine Council in Scripture: Unveiling the Bible’s Supernatural Worldview

   What is the Divine Council, and why have so many pastors, Bible teachers, and congregants never heard of it? For many Evangelical Christians, the supernatural worldview of the Bible can sound unfamiliar, unsettling, or even like a departure from orthodox monotheism. When the Divine Council or the biblical “gods” are mentioned, concerns about polytheism, idolatry, and the nature of God often arise. After all, doesn’t Scripture repeatedly declare that the gods of the nations are nothing more than powerless idols? In this episode of Wise Counsel, we take a comprehensive, Scripture-centered journey through the Divine Council and heavenly assembly, tracing its appearances throughout the entire Bible—from the most explicit passages to the more subtle and frequently overlooked examples. We examine the biblical language, historical context, and theological implications of these passages, addressing common misunderstandings and demonstrating how the existence of other spiritual beings does not compromise the uniqueness, sovereignty, or supremacy of Yahweh. We will also distinguish between the biblical portrayal of genuine spiritual beings and the empty idols of human manufacture, exploring what Scripture actually means when it speaks of the “gods” of the nations. Finally, we address the most important question: Does understanding the Divine Council matter? How does this supernatural framework shape our reading of Scripture, illuminate the Bible’s overarching metanarrative, and deepen our understanding of redemption, spiritual conflict, and the kingdom of God? Should this subject be taught in our churches and Bible studies, or is the evidence too uncertain to warrant broader consideration? Join us as we explore the biblical evidence, confront common objections, and consider whether recovering the Bible’s supernatural worldview can lead to a richer, more faithful understanding of God’s Word.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Wise Counsel

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.