In what ways can we ensure our advice aligns with biblical principles? Setting the Scene: A Warning Wrapped in One Verse “Now Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother, was a very shrewd man.” (2 Samuel 13:3) Jonadab’s cleverness became a snare: he used insight to plot sin instead of steering Amnon toward righteousness. The outcome—Tamar’s violation, Amnon’s death, Absalom’s revolt—reminds us how misaligned counsel can ignite tragedy. Why Good Advice Goes Bad • Shrewdness without submission to God (2 Samuel 13:3–5) • Friendship valued over truth (Proverbs 27:6) • Short-sighted gain eclipsing long-term holiness (Proverbs 14:12) • Emotions overruling obedience (Jeremiah 17:9) Five Safeguards for God-Honoring Counsel 1. Saturate your heart with Scripture. • “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” (Colossians 3:16) 2. Filter motives through prayerful humility. • “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) 3. Seek wisdom that produces peace, not manipulation. • “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving…” (James 3:17) 4. Confirm alignment with the whole counsel of God. • “The plans of the righteous are just.” (Proverbs 12:5) 5. Invite accountability from mature believers. • “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and you will be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20) Diagnosing Our Words Before We Speak Ask yourself: • Does this counsel echo clear biblical commands? • Will it draw the hearer closer to Christlike character (Ephesians 4:15)? • Could it withstand the light of eternity (1 Corinthians 3:13)? • Does it uphold love, truth, and justice simultaneously (Micah 6:8)? Practical Steps for the Week Ahead • Read Proverbs 1 chapter per day; jot down any verse that corrects or confirms your typical advice. • Pair up with a trusted believer and review one decision each of you is facing, applying the safeguards above. • Memorize James 3:17 and recite it before offering guidance. • Replace the phrase “I think” with “God’s Word says” whenever Scripture clearly addresses an issue. Closing Reflection Jonadab’s shrewd suggestion looked clever but contradicted God’s holiness, proving that intelligence without submission is dangerous. When we anchor counsel in Scripture, seek the Spirit’s wisdom, and submit our words to faithful brothers and sisters, we turn our shrewdness into service, our insight into intercession, and our advice into a conduit of God’s blessing. |
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