How does 2 Kings 5:13 encourage us to listen to godly counsel today? The Verse in Focus “But Naaman’s servants approached and said to him, ‘My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he tells you, “Wash and be clean”?’ ” (2 Kings 5:13) The Setting and the Tension • Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, arrives at Elisha’s door desperate for healing from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1–9). • Elisha sends a messenger, instructing him to wash seven times in the Jordan; Naaman storms off, offended by both the simplicity of the command and the unimpressive river (vv. 10–12). • His own servants—social inferiors—step in and speak truth that softens his heart and leads to obedience. Key Observations from the Servants’ Counsel • Humble approach: “My father” shows reverence, diffusing Naaman’s pride. • Clear reasoning: They contrast “something great” with the simple act of washing, highlighting Naaman’s misplaced expectations. • Faith in the prophet’s word: They implicitly trust Elisha’s authority, urging Naaman to submit to it. • Persistence that rescues: Without their timely words, Naaman would have returned home unhealed. How the Verse Encourages Us to Listen to Godly Counsel Today • God often speaks through unexpected voices—even subordinates, friends, spouses, or children. • Pride and preconceived ideas can block obedience; humble counsel helps realign our hearts. • Simple acts of faith can release God’s power; wise counselors remind us not to despise the ordinary means He chooses. • The fruit of heeding counsel is undeniable: Naaman’s flesh “became like that of a little child” (v. 14). Supporting Scriptures • 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.” • James 1:19–21 — Quick to hear, slow to speak, receiving “the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” • Hebrews 3:13 — Exhort one another daily so that none “may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Practical Steps for Embracing Godly Counsel 1. Cultivate humility: ask the Lord to expose pride that resists advice. 2. Identify trusted, Scripture-anchored voices—pastors, elders, mature believers. 3. Invite feedback; give others permission to speak honestly into decisions. 4. Test counsel against the clear teaching of God’s Word (Acts 17:11). 5. Act promptly on biblical counsel, even when it feels ordinary or small. 6. Give thanks afterward; gratitude reinforces a teachable spirit. Living It Out The servants’ gentle plea turned Naaman’s story from tragedy to triumph. When we listen to faithful voices grounded in God’s Word, we position ourselves to experience the same life-changing grace. |
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