How does 2 Samuel 13:4 illustrate the dangers of ungodly counsel? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 13:4: “He asked Amnon, ‘Why are you, the king’s son, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?’ Amnon replied, ‘I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.’” What We Notice Immediately • Jonadab initiates concern—yet his sympathy hides a sinister agenda. • Amnon opens his heart to the wrong person, giving sinful desire an eager audience. • No appeal to God’s law, no reminder of righteousness—just curiosity framed as care. How Ungodly Counsel Takes Root 1. Appeals to emotion over obedience. – Jonadab focuses on Amnon’s feelings, not on what God commands (Leviticus 18:11). 2. Normalizes sinful desire. – By listening without correction, Jonadab turns lust into a solvable “problem,” not a sin to repent of. 3. Prepares the way for destructive advice (v. 5). – Because the heart is already exposed, the counselor can now steer it anywhere (James 1:14-15). 4. Undermines accountability. – No urge to seek David or a prophet—only a private scheme. 5. Disguises wickedness as friendship. – “Friend” (v. 3) masks the danger; compare Proverbs 27:6. Ripple Effects in the Narrative • Amnon rapes Tamar (v. 14), shattering her life. • Absalom’s hatred brews, leading to murder (v. 28-29). • David’s household fractures, fulfilling Nathan’s warning (2 Samuel 12:10-11). Ungodly counsel seldom stops with the first sin; it ignites a chain reaction. Timeless Warnings • Psalm 1:1 — Blessing is tied to refusing wicked counsel. • Proverbs 13:20 — Companions shape destiny. • 1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Bad company corrupts good character.” • Proverbs 12:5 — “The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.” Safeguards for Today • Measure every suggestion against Scripture—God’s Word is final (Isaiah 8:20). • Seek advisors who fear the Lord (Proverbs 11:14). • Expose motives: ask whether the counsel promotes holiness or merely eases desire. • Invite accountability—wise friends confront, not coddle (Galatians 6:1). • Submit emotions to Christ, not to manipulators (2 Corinthians 10:5). Closing Reflection 2 Samuel 13:4 reminds us that the wrong listener can become a lethal influence. One conversation, absent of God’s truth, moved from curiosity to catastrophe. The lesson is clear: cherish counsel that steers you toward obedience, and flee every voice that strokes sin while silencing Scripture. |
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