What does 2 Chronicles 18:6 teach about the importance of godly counsel?

Scripture Focus

“ But Jehoshaphat asked, ‘Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?’ ” (2 Chronicles 18:6)

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Setting the Scene

• King Ahab has already gathered 400 prophets who unanimously promise victory.

• Jehoshaphat senses something amiss; he wants a voice that speaks for “the LORD,” not merely for the king.

• His request brings forward Micaiah, the lone prophet who delivers the true, uncomfortable word of God.

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Key Observations about Godly Counsel

• A right heart seeks divine confirmation, even when the majority seems convincing.

• Numbers do not guarantee truth; alignment with God’s revealed Word does.

• Godly counsel often challenges human agendas, calling leaders to accountability.

• Jehoshaphat’s question models humility—he admits that he does not yet have God’s perspective.

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Contrasting True and False Voices

• The 400 prophets: echo chamber, pleasing rhetoric, political expediency.

• Micaiah: solitary, unpopular, yet faithful to God’s Word (vv. 13–17).

• Jehoshaphat highlights the necessity of distinguishing between human approval and divine authority.

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Lessons for Today

• Evaluate counsel by Scripture, not popularity.

• Seek advisers who fear God more than they fear people.

• Be ready to act on truth even when it is inconvenient.

• Cultivate relationships with believers who will speak biblical truth, not flatter.

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Related Scriptures on Counsel

• Proverbs 11:14 — “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

• Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

• Psalm 1:1 — Blessed is the one “who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.”

• James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.”

The request in 2 Chronicles 18:6 reminds every believer to prize godly counsel—rooted in Scripture, tested against the character of God, and willing to stand alone when necessary.