How does Ahab's attitude compare to Proverbs 12:15 about wise counsel? Setting the Scene • When Aram threatens Israel, Jehoshaphat asks Ahab to seek God’s word. • 1 Kings 22:8: “The king of Israel answered, ‘There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD—but I hate him, because he never prophesies good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.’” • Ahab gathers four hundred court prophets who promise victory, yet he dislikes the lone voice who speaks for God. Ahab’s Attitude toward Counsel • Selective hearing – welcomes only voices that affirm his plans. • Hostility toward correction – “I hate him.” • Pride-driven stubbornness – believes his strategy will succeed despite divine warning (vv. 17–28). • Superficial religiosity – outwardly consults prophets, inwardly rejects God’s authority (cf. 1 Kings 21:20–26). Proverbs 12:15: The Contrast • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” • Ahab exemplifies the first line: – Right in his own eyes: trusts the majority prophets over God’s messenger. – Ignores advice: refuses to heed Micaiah’s clear warning of defeat. • The wise man of Proverbs would have: – Valued God’s word above popularity. – Adjusted plans to align with truth, even at personal cost (cf. Psalm 119:105). Supporting Scriptures • 2 Chronicles 18:25–27 shows Ahab imprisoning Micaiah—further proof of despising counsel. • Isaiah 30:10–11 describes people who say, “Give us no more visions of what is right… tell us pleasant things,” paralleling Ahab’s preference. • Proverbs 15:31: “He whose ear listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” • James 1:22 warns against self-deception by merely hearing without doing. Lessons for Today • True wisdom seeks voices that faithfully echo Scripture, not merely affirm desires. • Popular consensus never outranks a single truthful word from God. • Pride that rejects correction invites downfall, just as Ahab fell at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:34–38). • Embracing timely rebuke positions us to walk in God’s blessing and avoid tragic consequences. |
    |