How does 1 Kings 1:7 connect to Proverbs on wise counsel? Setting the scene 1 Kings 1:7: “And he conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they supported Adonijah.” Instead of asking the Lord or seeking out godly voices like Nathan the prophet or Zadok the priest, Adonijah surrounds himself with people already inclined to back his grab for the throne. The verse highlights a counsel table that looks impressive—military commander, high priest—yet lacks a heart for righteousness. Proverbs’ portrait of wise counsel • Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.” • Proverbs 12:5: “The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.” • Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • Proverbs 24:6: “Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” Each proverb assumes counsel that is rooted in righteousness, humility, and reverence for the Lord. Quantity alone is not enough; quality matters. Spotting the parallels • Adonijah gathers “many” counselors, yet Proverbs stresses “wise” counselors. Joab and Abiathar bring experience but not godly alignment. • Proverbs warns that wicked counsel deceives; Adonijah’s circle assures him of success, masking danger and divine opposition. • Proverbs urges humility (27:2); Adonijah exalts himself (1 Kings 1:5). Prideful plans often attract affirming but unwise voices. • Where Proverbs 24:6 links victory to sound guidance in battle, Adonijah’s war-like maneuver ends in failure because his guidance is unsound. Lessons for us today • Examine the heart behind the advice. Expertise without godliness can still lead astray. • Look for voices that point back to Scripture and to the Lord’s revealed will, not merely to personal ambition. • Beware of echo chambers. Adonijah chose counselors who already agreed with him; Proverbs calls us to seek counsel that can correct us. • Remember that the Lord ultimately establishes kings (Proverbs 21:1). Wise counsel aligns with His sovereignty, not against it. 1 Kings 1:7 becomes a living illustration of Proverbs: real-life proof that counsel lacking righteousness—no matter how seasoned—cannot secure God’s blessing. |
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