How can we discern godly counsel from worldly advice in our lives? Setting the Scene in 2 Samuel 17:1 “Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, ‘Please let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.’” Ahithophel’s plan looked swift, decisive, and politically brilliant—but it came from a heart in rebellion against God’s anointed king. Hushai’s opposing counsel, though slower and seemingly riskier, preserved David and aligned with God’s purpose (vv. 7-14). What We Learn From Ahithophel’s Advice • Appealed to pride: Absalom could strike quickly and take credit. • Ignored God’s promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • Relied on human strength—“twelve thousand men.” • Sounded reasonable; felt urgent. Worldly counsel often presents itself as efficient and flattering while dismissing God’s revealed will. Signs of Worldly Counsel Today • Minimizes or contradicts Scripture (Genesis 3:1). • Caters to ego or immediate gratification (1 John 2:16). • Fears missing out more than disobeying God (Matthew 16:26). • Measures success purely by visible results (James 3:14-15). • Comes from voices with no track record of submission to Christ (Psalm 1:1). Marks of Godly Counsel • Agrees with the whole counsel of God’s Word (Isaiah 8:20). • Leads toward holiness, humility, and love (James 3:17). • Is confirmed by mature believers (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). • Glorifies Christ, not self (Colossians 3:17). • Produces peace in a Spirit-led conscience (Philippians 4:7-9). Practical Steps to Discern 1. Test every word against Scripture. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 2. Pray for wisdom before deciding (James 1:5). 3. Seek input from seasoned, godly believers. 4. Evaluate motives—does this path elevate Christ or self? 5. Consider long-term fruit, not short-term gain (Galatians 6:7-9). 6. Wait if pressured to act hastily; haste often signals fleshly counsel (Proverbs 19:2). Guardrails for Everyday Decisions • Keep a steady diet of Scripture so counterfeit ideas stand out. • Cultivate relationships with mentors who fear the Lord. • Slow down major choices; overnight decisions seldom require “twelve thousand men.” • Memorize key verses (e.g., Romans 12:2) to renew your mind. • Regularly ask, “Will this draw me closer to Jesus?” Encouragement to Walk in Wisdom God shielded David by overturning Ahithophel’s shrewd plan. He still guards His people as we honor His word. Trust that Spirit-led counsel—though sometimes less flashy—aligns you with God’s faithful, unshakable purposes. |
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