What steps can we take to avoid being misled by ungodly advice? An unforgettable warning from 2 Samuel 13:5 “Jonadab told him, ‘Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. When your father comes to see you, say to him, “Please let my sister Tamar come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so that I may watch her and eat it from her hand.”’” Amnon’s tragic path began with one crafty suggestion. Jonadab’s words sounded clever, even caring, yet they opened the door to lust, deception, and ruin. This single verse captures how subtle ungodly advice can be—and how catastrophic its results. Recognize the danger signs in counsel • Appeals to secrecy or deception (Ephesians 5:11) • Short-term gratification at the expense of righteousness (Hebrews 11:25-26) • Flattery that feeds fleshly desires (Proverbs 29:5) Step one: Measure every suggestion against God’s clear Word • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • If counsel contradicts an explicit command—sexual purity, honesty, humility—reject it immediately. • Even when Scripture is silent on details, let its principles steer you toward holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). Step two: Examine the character of the adviser • Proverbs 13:20 — “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • Look for a pattern of obedience to Christ, integrity, and sacrificial love. • When someone routinely bends truth, mocks righteousness, or excuses sin, their input is unsafe. Step three: Seek multiple godly voices, not one convenient opinion • Proverbs 11:14 — “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.” • Invite spiritually mature believers—parents, pastors, elders—to weigh in. • A solitary, questionable voice grows weaker when surrounded by trusted witness. Step four: Ask the Spirit for discernment • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” • The Holy Spirit never guides contrary to Scripture; He heightens sensitivity to red flags and inner checks (John 16:13). Step five: Evaluate the likely fruit • Matthew 7:16 — “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Does the advice promote love, joy, peace, patience—fruit of the Spirit—or envy, strife, and impurity (Galatians 5:19-23)? • Consider long-term outcomes: Will following this course draw me closer to Christ or entangle me in regret? Step six: Refuse hurried or pressured decisions • Isaiah 28:16 — “He who believes will not act hastily.” • Ungodly counsel often insists on secrecy and speed. Righteous counsel allows time for prayer, Scripture study, and wise input. Step seven: Establish protective habits before temptation arises • Daily Scripture intake fortifies truth filters (Colossians 3:16). • Regular fellowship keeps you accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Memorizing verses related to your vulnerabilities arms you for immediate resistance (Psalm 119:11). Living the lesson Jonadab’s crafty suggestion cost Tamar her dignity and Amnon his life. Let the tragedy drive us to vigilance: immerse ourselves in God’s Word, surround our hearts with faithful believers, and rely on the Spirit’s discernment. In doing so, we stand safeguarded against every seemingly harmless but ultimately ungodly whisper. |
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