Counsel
It is said that the gift of Counsel is the perfection of the cardinal virtue
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the virtue of prudence.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “Prudence is the virtue that
disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance
and to choose the right means of achieving it; ‘the prudent man looks
where he is going.’” (CCC 1806)
And also, “The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance
with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral
principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about
the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.” (CCC 1806)
Since prudence is a virtue, it can be practiced and grown. Counsel, on the
other hand, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it takes on a supernatural
dimension. When exercising right judgment, the prudent person must
sort through their experiences and intellect. But the person gifted with
Counsel is more directed by the Holy Spirit. They are given a supernatural
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enlightenment that directs their path.
Jesus is the embodiment of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In making judgments
for the right and the good, He was always guided by the Holy
Spirit, through the gift of Counsel. Let us pray that we may be gifted
with Counsel as well.
For further study:
Isaiah 11:2
CCC 1831