What other biblical examples show the importance of wise counsel? Taking a Fresh Look at 2 Samuel 17:5 “Then Absalom said, ‘Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he too has to say.’” Absalom wants a second opinion. In the very next verses, Hushai’s words overturn Ahithophel’s plan and ultimately save David. Scripture consistently shows how life-changing wise counsel can be. Snapshots of God-Honoring Counsel • Exodus 18:17–19 — Jethro tells Moses, “What you are doing is not good… listen now to me.” Moses accepts the advice, delegates responsibility, and the whole nation benefits. • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 19:20 — “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, so that you may be wise the rest of your days.” • Esther 4:14 — Mordecai’s challenge, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” moves Esther to act, preserving Israel. • Acts 15:6–7 — “The apostles and elders met to consider this matter.” The Jerusalem Council protects the gospel from legalism and unites Jew and Gentile believers. • Colossians 4:10 — Paul calls Mark “helpful,” showing he heeded Barnabas’s earlier plea to give Mark another chance (Acts 15:36-39). Wise counsel restored a broken partnership. Warnings from Ignoring Counsel • 1 Kings 12:8 — “But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders.” Choosing youthful flattery over seasoned wisdom split the kingdom. • 2 Chronicles 10:10 — Rehoboam’s peers urge harsher policies; rebellion follows. • Jeremiah 38:15 — The prophet tells Zedekiah to surrender; the king vacillates, Jerusalem falls. • Matthew 27:19 — Pilate’s wife warns him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,” yet he caves to the crowd. Threads That Tie the Stories Together 1. God often speaks through people. Jethro, Nathan, Mordecai, and Hushai are divine instruments. 2. The humility to listen marks true greatness. Moses, David, Esther, and Paul show teachable hearts. 3. Bad counsel thrives on pride. Rehoboam and Zedekiah preferred voices that echoed their desires. 4. Wise counsel aligns with God’s revealed will. Every positive example above steers toward obedience to God’s commands. 5. The stakes are high. Nations crumble or stand, destinies derail or flourish, based on whether counsel is heeded. Practical Takeaways for Today • Seek multiple godly voices before big decisions. • Measure advice against Scripture’s clear teaching. • Watch for counsel that flatters your preferences—danger sign! • Cultivate humility; receiving correction is a mark of wisdom. • Remember that giving counsel is stewardship—speak truth in love, like Hushai and Jethro. Wise counsel rescued David in 2 Samuel 17; it can rescue us too when we listen with obedient hearts. |
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