How does 1 Kings 21:5 illustrate the dangers of ungodly counsel? Setting the Scene “Then his wife Jezebel came in and asked, ‘Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?’” (1 Kings 21:5) The Subtle Entrance of Ungodly Counsel • Ungodly counsel often arrives softly—Jezebel does not storm in; she starts with a question that seems caring. • Her opening words sound supportive, yet her heart is already set against God’s law (Exodus 20:13, 17). • Psalm 1:1 warns, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” Ahab is about to do just that. Red Flags Embedded in Jezebel’s Inquiry • Minimizing Ahab’s sin of covetousness—she treats his sulking as normal, not sinful. • Appealing to wounded pride—“Why are you…?” focuses attention on Ahab’s hurt feelings instead of God’s commands. • Offering a quick fix—she will soon propose a scheme that bypasses repentance. How One Verse Foreshadows a Downward Spiral 1. Emotional manipulation: Jezebel exploits Ahab’s self-pity. 2. Rationalizing disobedience: She will suggest forging letters and staging false accusations (vv. 8-10). 3. Escalating wickedness: Her counsel ends in judicial murder (v. 13) and theft (v. 15). 4. Divine judgment: God sends Elijah with a severe prophecy (vv. 17-24), proving Proverbs 13:20—“the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Traits of Ungodly Counsel Revealed • Ignores Scripture—no mention of God’s covenant or Naboth’s rights (Leviticus 25:23). • Strokes ego—tells the listener what he wants to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). • Seeks immediate gratification—“Arise, eat bread” (v. 7) instead of “be content” (Hebrews 13:5). • Employs deceit and violence—opposite of the wisdom from above that is “peaceable, gentle” (James 3:17). Consequences That Follow • Personal decay—Ahab forfeits integrity and peace. • Collateral damage—Naboth dies, his family is destroyed (2 Kings 9:26). • National impact—Ahab’s reign becomes a byword for evil (1 Kings 21:25). • Eternal record—Scripture forever links Jezebel’s counsel to catastrophic sin (Revelation 2:20). Guardrails for Today • Test every suggestion against God’s Word (Acts 17:11). • Surround yourself with godly advisors (Proverbs 11:14). • Reject counsel that excuses sin or shortcuts obedience (Romans 6:1-2). • Remember 1 Corinthians 15:33—“Bad company corrupts good character.” Takeaway 1 Kings 21:5 is a snapshot of how seemingly benign words can open the door to grievous evil. Staying alert to the character, content, and consequences of counsel keeps hearts anchored to God’s unchanging truth. |
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