What qualities should we seek in advisors, based on Solomon's example in 1 Kings? Setting the Scene “Azariah son of Nathan was over the deputies; Zabud son of Nathan, a priest and advisor to the king.” (1 Kings 4:5) Solomon’s inner circle included two sons of the prophet Nathan—one supervising officials, the other serving as priest and personal counselor. Their selection highlights the traits the king valued, and the same traits guide us today when choosing those who counsel us. Why Advisors Matter • Proverbs 11:14 — “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” • 2 Chronicles 10 (Rehoboam’s downfall) shows the cost of ignoring godly advice. Wise counsel can preserve families, churches, and nations; poor counsel can unravel them overnight. Qualities to Seek in Advisors 1. Reverence for God • Both men came from a prophetic, priestly family (1 Kings 4:5). • Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Look for counselors grounded in Scripture, not trends. 2. Proven Integrity • Nathan once confronted King David (2 Samuel 12). His sons would have watched truth-telling modeled at home. • Proverbs 20:7 — “The righteous man walks in integrity; blessed are his children after him.” Trust is earned by a record of honesty, not polished words. 3. Truth-Telling Courage • Proverbs 27:6 — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” • Galatians 2:11 — Paul confronted Peter “to his face.” Seek voices unafraid to point out blind spots. 4. Competence and Skill • Azariah “was over the deputies”—administrative ability mattered. • Proverbs 22:29 — “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Godliness is essential, but so is practical expertise. 5. Loyalty without Flattery • Zabud is called the king’s “friend” (1 Kings 4:5; cf. ESV). • Proverbs 28:23 — “He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters.” Choose companions committed to you, not to your ego. 6. Accountability to a Higher Authority • As priest, Zabud answered first to God (Hebrews 13:17). Advisors who know they will give account to the Lord guard you from pride and folly. 7. Shared Values and Vision • Amos 3:3 — “Can two walk together unless they agree?” Solomon did not import pagan voices into his cabinet; alignment in worldview sharpens counsel. 8. Relational Closeness and Access • “Friend” implies ready access. • Proverbs 27:9 — “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Effective advisors understand you well enough to speak to motives, not just actions. Putting It Into Practice • Ask God to reveal people who already display these traits (James 1:5). • Watch their lives over time—“You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). • Give them room to speak into small decisions now, larger ones later (Luke 16:10). • Maintain several such voices; “in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 24:6). Key Takeaway Solomon surrounded himself with spiritually grounded, trustworthy, competent truth-tellers who shared his faith and values. Following his pattern protects us from error and positions us to live out God’s purposes with wisdom and stability. |
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