What role does seeking godly counsel play in decision-making according to 2 Kings 3:11? Setting the Scene 2 Kings 3 opens with three kings—Israel’s Jehoram, Judah’s Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom—marching against Moab. After a week in the desert they are out of water and in danger of defeat. Verse 11 records Jehoshaphat’s pivotal question: “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD through him?”. Elisha is located, and his prophetic word becomes the hinge on which their fortunes turn. What 2 Kings 3:11 Teaches about Godly Counsel • Godly counsel is sought before acting further – Jehoshaphat refuses to press on until they have heard from the LORD. • Counsel must come from proven, faithful servants – Elisha, “who poured water on the hands of Elijah,” is identified by his track record of humble service and prophetic integrity (cf. Luke 16:10). • Consulting the LORD brings divine strategy and provision – Through Elisha, God directs them to dig ditches (3:16-17). Water miraculously fills the valley and positions them for victory. • Seeking counsel displays humility and dependence – Jehoshaphat’s question shows a king willing to admit need; “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Right counsel shields from disastrous self-reliance – Without Elisha’s word the armies would have perished in the wilderness, illustrating Proverbs 14:12. Scriptures that Echo the Principle • Proverbs 11:14—“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Psalm 1:1—Blessing tied to rejecting ungodly counsel. • James 1:5—God willingly gives wisdom to those who ask. • 1 Chronicles 10:13-14—Saul’s downfall linked to neglecting divine guidance. • Acts 13:2—Leaders seeking the Spirit’s direction before mission. Practical Takeaways for Today • Pause decisions long enough to ask, “Have I sought the LORD’s voice?” • Identify trustworthy, Scripture-saturated believers whose lives attest to faithfulness—then listen. • Measure counsel against God’s written Word; prophecy never contradicts Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Expect God to provide creative solutions that human wisdom misses. • View counsel as God’s grace, not a hurdle—submission to it protects and prospers. Summary 2 Kings 3:11 highlights seeking godly counsel as an essential step in wise decision-making: it directs us to God’s will, supplies needed resources, instills humility, and averts disaster. When we, like Jehoshaphat, inquire of the LORD through proven voices, we exchange uncertainty for the clarity and favor that only God can give. |
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