What lessons can we learn from Ahaziah's choice of counselors in 2 Chronicles 22:5? Setting the stage Ahaziah came to Judah’s throne surrounded by voices steeped in idolatry—his mother Athaliah from the house of Ahab and Jezebel, and princes of Israel whose hearts were far from God. Scripture notes, “He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother Athaliah advised him to do evil” (2 Chronicles 22:3). The counsel he embraced set the trajectory of his reign. The fatal decision “Ahaziah followed their counsel and went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to war against King Hazael of Aram at Ramoth-gilead. And the Arameans wounded Joram.” (2 Chronicles 22:5) Key lessons for today • Counsel shapes destiny • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33—“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” • Proximity to ungodliness invites participation in its battles • Ahaziah ends up in a war that was never his, sharing the consequences of Ahab’s house (cf. 2 Kings 9:27-29). • Family influence is powerful but must be filtered through God’s Word • 2 Chronicles 22:3 reminds us that even well-loved relatives can push us toward sin. Fidelity to the Lord must outrank family loyalty. • Flattering voices can be fatal • Proverbs 29:25—“The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” Seeking approval from the wrong crowd entangled Ahaziah. • Godly counsel is available to every believer • Psalm 1:1 contrasts blessing with walking “in the counsel of the wicked.” • James 1:5 promises divine wisdom to all who ask. Scripture and Spirit-filled counselors guard our steps. • Unequal alliances compromise witness and safety • 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against yoking with unbelievers. Ahaziah’s alliance with Joram blurred Judah’s distinct calling and led to judgment. Putting it into practice • Audit your influencers—media, friends, mentors. Do they draw you nearer to Christ or to compromise? • Elevate God’s Word above every opinion; measure counsel against clear scriptural teaching. • Cultivate relationships with believers whose lives display obedience and humility. • Seek wise, prayer-saturated input before major decisions; haste often signals fleshly dependence. • Remember that the battles you join through ungodly counsel may wound more than your reputation—they can wound your soul and those you lead. A final thought Ahaziah’s story is a sober reminder that the voices we heed today carve the path we walk tomorrow. Choosing counselors who love and fear the Lord is not optional; it is a matter of spiritual life and death. |
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