How can we apply the lesson of seeking godly advice in our lives? The Scene—2 Chronicles 10:9 “‘What message do you advise we send back to these people who said to me, “Lighten the yoke your father put on us”?’ ” Rehoboam stands at a crossroads. Two sets of counselors speak: older, seasoned advisors urge gentleness; younger peers recommend harshness. His choice to follow untested voices divides the kingdom, proving that whose counsel we heed shapes our destiny. Lessons from Rehoboam’s Choice • Ignoring proven wisdom invites disaster (2 Chron 10:13–19). • Pride resists the gentle path; humility listens (Proverbs 11:2). • Decisions affect many more lives than our own. Scripture’s Call to Seek Godly Counsel • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5) • “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1) Principles for Finding and Following Godly Advice • Source matters – Seek counsel from those who fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). – Look for proven character and fruit, not just charisma (Matthew 7:16). • Scripture is the final filter – God’s Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). – If advice contradicts Scripture, discard it—no matter who offers it (Acts 17:11). • Multiplicity, not echo chambers – Gather several mature viewpoints; avoid only listening to peers who tell us what we want to hear (2 Chron 10:8). • Prayerful posture – Ask the Spirit for discernment before, during, and after conversations (James 1:5). – Pause to let emotions settle; haste clouds judgment (Proverbs 19:2). • Accountability afterward – Invite follow-up: “Please ask me how I’m doing with this decision.” – A teachable heart remains open to mid-course corrections (Proverbs 12:15). Putting It into Practice 1. Identify two or three mature believers—elder, pastor, long-time friend—willing to speak truth even when it stings. 2. Schedule regular check-ins before major decisions (job, relationships, finances). 3. Keep a journal: record the counsel received, corresponding Scriptures, and how you applied them. 4. Share outcomes with your advisors; celebrate God’s faithfulness together. 5. Repeat the cycle; wisdom grows cumulatively. Encouragement for the Journey God is not silent; He speaks through His Word and through wise, Spirit-filled believers. Following godly counsel guards us from missteps, strengthens the body of Christ, and displays humble dependence on the One whose truth never fails. |
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