Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 17

 

Contradictory Advice

Ahithophel advised Absalom that he needed to do only one thing to make his throne secure, and that was kill David. If he did this swiftly, without war or unnecessary bloodshed, the people would soon be fully behind him. After getting a second opinion from Hushai, Absalom decided to reject Ahithophel’s counsel and proceed with a full military attack. This would turn out to be a gross mis-judgement on Absalom’s part as David’s military might would prove to be too much for him and his supporters.

It turns out that, behind the scenes, God was protecting David and his throne. If Absalom had taken Ahithophel’s original advice, he would have defeated David and taken over the kingdom. But God had other plans. He sent Hushai to give Absalom contradictory advice, knowing full well that Absalom would choose the latter. For the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel. Absalom failed to seek God’s counsel on the matter, and he trusted in his own wisdom to make the choice. Proverbs 18:26 tells us, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool.” In this situation, Absalom acted according to his own human nature and his pride. A tragic mistake.

What do you do when you receive advice from two people and their advice is inconsistent or even contradictory? This was the dilemma facing Absalom. Who should I listen to? Whose advice is the best and most sound? On occasion, we are faced with the same dilemma. Who should you listen to? The answer is simple… get the Lord’s advice on the matter before making your decision. This is something Absalom failed to do.

It is so important to obtain counsel from others before making important decisions. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” And again in Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.” A wise person will listen to wise counsel. But always remember – in the end, it is God’s counsel that matters. Don’t just listen to human advice, as sound as it may seem. Listen to the Holy Spirit who promises to “lead you into all truth.” (John 16:13)

A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others. So, listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom. But, be careful that you don’t act on all the advice you receive without consulting your God. And, don’t lean on your own understanding, or your own feelings when considering the advice you’ve been given. It may seem right in your own eyes, but remember your heart is deceitful and can cloud your judgment. Listen to God and His still small voice speaking to your spirit. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25) God is all-knowing. He has perfect wisdom and is capable of understanding the impact of every single decision on every single thing.