How can we discern wise counsel from foolish advice in our lives? The Turning Point in 1 Kings 12 “ But Rehoboam forsook the counsel that the elders had given him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.” (1 Kings 12:8) • Rehoboam had two clear voices: seasoned elders and youthful peers. • His decision to ignore the elders split the kingdom and ushered in idolatry and conflict. • The verse stands as a timeless warning: whose counsel we follow determines our direction. Why Rehoboam’s Choice Matters Today • Our friendships, social media feeds, and cultural trends still mimic those “young men” who echoed Rehoboam’s pride. • Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” • Psalm 1:1 shows the progression from listening to standing to sitting among the ungodly; it begins with the ears. Signs of Wise Counsel • Rooted in God’s Word – 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms Scripture’s sufficiency for “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” • Seasoned by experience and proven faithfulness – Proverbs 16:31 values “gray hair” gained in righteousness. • Humble, gentle, and peace-loving – James 3:17: “The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” • Willing to confront sin and speak truth, even when uncomfortable – Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” • Confirmed by multiple godly voices – Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Red Flags of Foolish Advice • Appeals to pride, power, or immediate gratification (1 Kings 12:10-11). • Contradicts or skirts Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Echoes popular opinion instead of eternal truth (Ephesians 4:14). • Despises correction or accountability (Proverbs 9:7-8). • Originates from companions steeped in ungodly lifestyles (1 Corinthians 15:33). Testing Counsel Against Scripture 1. Compare the advice with clear biblical commands and principles. 2. Examine the fruit it is likely to produce—holiness or compromise (Matthew 7:17). 3. Seek confirmation through prayer and additional mature believers (Acts 17:11). 4. Assess motives: does it glorify God or merely satisfy self (Colossians 3:17)? Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment • Stay saturated in Scripture daily; the more familiar we are with truth, the quicker we spot error. • Cultivate relationships with older, steadfast believers. • Invite mentors to speak candidly into plans and blind spots. • Pause before decisions; haste is a companion of folly (Proverbs 19:2). • Ask, “Will this advice draw me nearer to Christlikeness?” • Accept correction gratefully; wise people love reproof (Proverbs 9:9). Encouragement to Walk in Wisdom Receive counsel the way Solomon urged his son: “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise” (Proverbs 22:17). Lean on the Holy Spirit, who guides believers “into all truth” (John 16:13). By valuing Scripture-anchored, Spirit-led voices, we avoid Rehoboam’s disaster and walk the steady path of blessing. |
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