In what ways can we ensure we seek and follow godly counsel today? \Rehoboam’s Misstep in 1 Kings 12:8\ “ But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders that they had given him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.” (1 Kings 12:8) • Ignoring seasoned voices split a nation. • Youthful peers affirmed his pride instead of God’s wisdom. • The verse exposes two paths: counsel anchored in experience and reverence for God, or counsel that simply echoes our own desires. \Why This Ancient Choice Still Speaks\ • The heart tendency has not changed: we gravitate toward advice that feels comfortable rather than counsel that confronts and refines. • Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked …” • Rehoboam’s story is a caution sign reminding us that the counsel we choose shapes destinies, families, churches, and communities. \Practical Ways to Seek and Follow Godly Counsel Today\ Start with Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips us “for every good work,” so any counsel must align with God’s Word. • Regular reading keeps our discernment tuned. Pursue prayerful dependence • James 1:5—God gives wisdom generously. • Ask for clarity before, during, and after receiving advice. Choose proven, mature advisors • Look for believers who consistently display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Age is not the only measure, but spiritual maturity and tested faithfulness are essential. Value multigenerational input • Titus 2 highlights older believers training the younger. • Diverse life stages broaden perspective and curb blind spots. Observe the fruit of a counselor’s life • Matthew 7:17—“Every good tree bears good fruit.” • Stable marriages, integrity in finances, credible witness—these signal trustworthy guidance. Invite more than one voice • Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • A small circle of biblically grounded advisors guards against one-sided influence. Allow Scripture-saturated community to sharpen you • Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • Commit to a local church where exhortation and accountability are normal. Cultivate humility and obedience • James 1:22—Be doers, not merely hearers. • When godly counsel calls for change, respond promptly; delayed obedience often morphs into disobedience. \Living the Lesson\ • Rehoboam teaches us that counsel is never neutral—wise or foolish advice carries real consequences. • By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, praying for discernment, seeking seasoned believers, and humbly acting on what we hear, we position our lives under God’s gracious guidance and avoid the scars of self-centered decision-making. |
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