What scriptural connections highlight the importance of godly counsel in leadership? A Snapshot of 2 Chronicles 24:2 “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” • Joash’s righteousness is traced directly to the presence of a faithful advisor. • When Jehoiada dies (v. 17), Joash abandons the Lord—graphically showing how leadership rises or falls with the counsel it embraces. Counsel Shapes Character • Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Psalm 1:1 contrasts blessing with ruin on the single issue of whose counsel one follows. Together with 2 Chronicles 24:2, these verses draw a straight line from counsel → conduct → consequence. Parallel Examples of Godly Counsel • Exodus 18:17-24—Jethro’s advice keeps Moses from burnout and secures justice for Israel. • 2 Samuel 12:1-13—Nathan’s prophetic rebuke rescues David from self-deception. • Daniel 1:19-20—Daniel and his friends display “ten times” greater wisdom, guiding pagan rulers toward life-preserving decisions. • Acts 15:6-29—The Jerusalem Council anchors the early church in truth and unity, illustrating collective, Spirit-led guidance. Warnings from Ungodly Counsel • 1 Kings 12:6-19—Rehoboam rejects the elders’ advice, listens to reckless peers, and splits the kingdom. • 2 Chronicles 22:3-5—Ahaziah “also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.” • Mark 15:11—“The chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas instead”—evil counsel corrupting public decision-making. Principles for Today’s Leaders • Seek counselors whose own walk with God is proven (Joash + Jehoiada). • Weigh advice against clear Scripture; godly counsel aligns with God’s Word (Acts 17:11). • Cultivate a circle, not an echo chamber—plural counselors guard against blind spots (Proverbs 24:6). • Remember that counsel influences legacy; leadership impact rarely exceeds the wisdom it heeds. Key Takeaways • Scripture consistently links righteous outcomes to righteous advisers. • A leader devoid of godly counsel becomes vulnerable to drift and downfall. • Surrounding oneself with biblically grounded voices is not optional; it is a God-ordained safeguard for faithful leadership. |