What can we learn from Ahaziah's leadership about choosing wise counselors today? Ahaziah’s Start—and His Stumbling Block “Then the people of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram, king in his place… So Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 22:1) - A fresh throne, a tragic pattern: “Ahaziah… walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother counseled him to do wickedly.” (2 Chronicles 22:3) - The result: “They became his counselors, to his destruction.” (2 Chronicles 22:4) What Went Wrong with His Counsel? - Ungodly influence: Athaliah (his mother) and the house of Ahab had no fear of the LORD (1 Kings 21:25). - Echo chamber: He surrounded himself with people who confirmed sin, not corrected it. - No course correction: He ignored covenant-faithful voices such as the prophets who had warned his fathers. Timeless Lessons for Choosing Counsel Today 1. Counsel must revere God’s Word - “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) - Any advice that contradicts Scripture—however persuasive—must be rejected. 2. Examine the counselor’s walk, not just their words - “You will know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16) - Look for consistent obedience, humility, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 3. Seek multiple godly voices - “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) - One person’s perspective—even a trusted friend—remains limited. 4. Beware flattery and peer pressure - “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) - Counsel that only tells us what we want to hear is rarely from God (2 Timothy 4:3). 5. Choose counselors who fear the LORD more than they fear you - Nathan confronted David despite the risk (2 Samuel 12:7). - Faithful advisers prioritize righteousness over approval. Practical Steps for Today’s Leaders - Pray first, then listen: Invite the Holy Spirit’s discernment (James 1:5). - Compare every suggestion with clear Scriptural teaching. - Observe a potential counselor’s family life, integrity with money, and treatment of the weak. - Value truth-tellers—people who will risk friendship to keep you from sin. - Keep lifelong accountability; isolation breeds error. Walking with the Wise—A Closing Encouragement “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) Ahaziah’s story warns that leadership rises or falls on whose voices we trust. Seek counselors who drive you deeper into God’s Word, point you to Christ, and love you enough to speak the hard truths that guard your soul and your calling. |
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