How can we guard our hearts against becoming like the "wicked counselor"? Setting the Scene “From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor.” (Nahum 1:11) Assyria’s ruler had fashioned schemes to defy God and oppress His people. The verse reminds us that rebellion rarely starts with armies; it starts with a heart that counsels itself—and others—away from the Lord. Why Guarding the Heart Matters • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies.” If the heart becomes crooked, counsel grows crooked too. Protecting our inner life protects every outward decision. Recognize the Traits of a Wicked Counselor 1. Plots “against the LORD” (Nahum 1:11). 2. Uses influence to spread doubt or intimidation (2 Kings 18:19–22). 3. Glories in personal power (Isaiah 10:13). 4. Trusts human strength, not divine sovereignty (Psalm 52:7). 5. Minimizes sin and mocks repentance (Jeremiah 23:17). Five Heart-Checks to Keep Us Safe • Loyalty Check – Am I seeking first the kingdom of God? (Matthew 6:33) • Humility Check – Do I tremble at His Word? (Isaiah 66:2) • Integrity Check – Are my private thoughts aligned with public words? (Psalm 139:23–24) • Compassion Check – Do I use influence to serve or to dominate? (Mark 10:42–45) • Teachability Check – Am I quick to repent when confronted? (Psalm 32:5) Practical Guardrails for Everyday Life Daily Scripture Intake • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Read attentively, believing every line is true and authoritative. Conversational Prayer Throughout the Day • 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” • Ongoing dialogue with God keeps motives exposed to His light. Accountable Friendships • Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” • Invite honest feedback; hidden sin breeds wicked counsel. Submit Every Plan to Christ • James 4:13–15 warns against presuming on tomorrow. • Before advising others, pause: “Is this consistent with the Lord’s will revealed in Scripture?” Feed on Truth, Starve Toxic Voices • Psalm 1:1–2 contrasts blessed meditation with ungodly counsel. • Limit media, relationships, and habits that celebrate rebellion. Cleared Paths, Clean Counsel James 3:17–18: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Aim to let this wisdom, not Nineveh’s, saturate every word you speak. Then your counsel will refresh rather than ruin, and your heart will stay far from the plotter of evil. |
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