How can we discern and avoid ungodly advice in our own lives today? Setting the Scene—2 Samuel 17:2 “I will attack him while he is weary and weak; I will cause him panic, and all the people with him will flee. Then I will strike down only the king.” Ahithophel’s plan sounded clever, swift, and surgical. Yet it dripped with treachery, violence, and rebellion against God’s anointed. His advice is a textbook sample of ungodly counsel and a warning flag for us. Why Ahithophel’s Counsel Was Ungodly • It opposed God’s revealed will—David was still the LORD’s chosen king (1 Samuel 16:13). • It relied on fear and manipulation, not faith (compare 2 Timothy 1:7). • Its goal was self-promotion, not God’s glory (James 3:14-16). • It dismissed the innocent—“all the people with him will flee” shows disregard for collateral damage. Common Marks of Ungodly Advice Today • Appeals to haste: “Do it now before you think or pray.” • Promises of quick, pain-free results that bypass obedience. • Flattery or guilt to steer you (Proverbs 29:5). • Ends-justify-the-means logic, sidelining righteousness. • Contradiction of clear scriptural teaching. • Isolation—pushing you away from wise, godly voices. Scriptural Filters for Every Piece of Counsel 1. Alignment with God’s Word • Psalm 119:105—Does it harmonize with the light of Scripture? • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Will it equip you for good works or excuse sin? 2. Character of the Adviser • Matthew 7:16—Look at their fruit. • Proverbs 13:20—Walk with the wise, become wise. 3. Motive and Tone • James 3:17—Pure, peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy. • 1 Corinthians 13:4-6—Love “rejoices in the truth,” never in wrongdoing. 4. Witness of the Spirit • Romans 8:16—The Spirit bears witness; a nagging check can be His warning. • Colossians 3:15—Let Christ’s peace rule (umpire) in your heart. 5. Community Confirmation • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many advisers.” • Acts 15:28—“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” Practical Daily Guardrails • Stay in the Word—Regular reading sharpens discernment (Hebrews 5:14). • Pray for wisdom before major decisions (James 1:5). • Keep short accounts—Confessed sin clears the static that distorts God’s voice (1 John 1:9). • Maintain godly friendships that will speak truth even when it stings (Proverbs 27:6). • Ask, “Will this counsel help me love God and neighbor more?” (Matthew 22:37-39). • Observe the long-term fruit of similar choices in others’ lives. Encouragement for the Journey Psalm 1 opens with a promise: blessed is the one “who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” When we filter every voice through Scripture, the Spirit, and godly community, we can walk in that blessing—rooted, fruitful, and safe from the Ahithophels of our day. |
    |