How does 1 Kings 20:7 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 20 opens with Ben-hadad, king of Aram, threatening Israel. After demanding Ahab’s wealth and family (vv. 1-6), Ben-hadad intensifies his threats. Verse 7 records Ahab’s immediate reaction: “Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, ‘Please observe and see how this man is seeking evil; for he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.’” (1 Kings 20:7) Observing Ahab’s Choice Ahab, though often wayward, models one right response in crisis: • He doesn’t react impulsively or in isolation. • He “summoned all the elders,” gathering the recognized leaders for input. • He presents the facts honestly—“see how this man is seeking evil.” • He invites evaluation and advice before acting further (v. 8 shows the elders’ counsel). Why Seeking Counsel Matters 1. Protects from rash decisions – Pressures can cloud judgment; counsel offers clarity. 2. Brings collective wisdom – Elders possessed experience Ahab lacked individually. 3. Establishes accountability – Shared counsel deters self-serving choices. 4. Aligns with God’s design – Scripture repeatedly endorses a plurality of counsel (see below). Principles for Us Today • Identify godly, seasoned voices before crisis hits. • Present the situation transparently, as Ahab did. • Weigh counsel prayerfully, comparing it with Scripture. • Act in unity when possible, valuing corporate wisdom over personal pride. Additional Scriptures on Wise Counsel • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” (Proverbs 24:6) • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Putting It Into Practice • Build a circle of trusted, Scripture-saturated mentors. • In pivotal decisions—family, career, ministry—follow Ahab’s positive example: pause, gather counsel, evaluate, then move forward. • Remember: seeking counsel is not weakness but obedience, a step God often uses to protect, guide, and bless. |
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