What role does godly counsel play in decision-making, as shown in Esther 2:2? Seeing Counsel in Action in Esther 2:2 “Then the king’s attendants who served him said, ‘Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king.’” (Esther 2:2) • Ahasuerus (Xerxes) had just removed Queen Vashti. • Before making his next move, he listened to his attendants. • Their suggestion set in motion the events that placed Esther on the throne. • Even a pagan king instinctively recognized the value of outside input; how much more should God’s people look for counsel that honors Him. God Built Us to Need Counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10—Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. Worldly Counsel vs. Godly Counsel Worldly counsel (illustrated by the king’s attendants) • Can be clever, persuasive, and immediately satisfying. • Lacks eternal perspective. • Sways decisions toward comfort, ego, or cultural norms. Godly counsel (seen later in the book through Mordecai) • Anchors advice in God’s revealed truth (Esther 4:14; Proverbs 3:5-6). • Seeks the glory of God over personal gain. • Produces courage and faith rather than merely solving a problem. Marks of Godly Counsel • Agreement with Scripture—Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20. • Character of the counselor—Psalm 1:1; James 3:17 (“the wisdom from above is first pure”). • Prayerful dependence on the Lord—James 1:5. • Willingness to speak truth even when it is uncomfortable—Proverbs 27:6. Walking This Out Today • Weigh every suggestion against God’s Word before acting. • Surround yourself with believers who fear the Lord and have proven integrity. • Invite counsel early, not merely to rubber-stamp a decision already made. • Remember that ultimate wisdom comes from God; human counselors are a means He often uses (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 2:6). Right decisions flow from the right voices, and Scripture directs us to seek those voices that echo the heart of God. |
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