He who trusts in his own heart is a fool. But he who walks wisely will be delivered” - Prov 28:26 (NIV).

Have you ever found yourself taking a wrong turn because of false advice? There is a meaningful story. Once, soon after Absalom rebelled against his father David and attacked his kingdom he sought advice from one renowned seer, Ahithophel. But why?  “Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like that one of one who inquires of God. That is how David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice” (2 Sam 16:23,)

But what advice does the man give this time?  Engage in sexual perversion. “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep to the house, and all of Israel will hear you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened” (vv 22).

As if that was not bad enough, Absalom, would soon later turn go on to another rival seer Hushai, once a David confidant, and seek him out how to defeat his old master. But after giving his master counsel, Hushai then used it to undermine him by relaying it back to David ( 2 Sam 17:15).

Neither the advice Absalom received from his two counsels would do him good. Eventually he would be chased and killed by David’s army after he got stuck in a tree while fleeing ferocious attack (2 Sam 18:4).

May God help us in our lives to be surrounded by wise counselors filled with His wisdom. May we also be sensitive to the counsel of the Holy Spirit to safeguard us from wrong counsel.

Prayer for today: Lord father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, today I pray in the marvelous name of Jesus, to receive good counsel from those who know, trust and fear you!