Beware Unwise Counsel
2 Samuel 10:3 Hanun listens to bad advice to his advisors after the death of his father, throwing his country into a war with Isreal.
1/20/20262 min read
And the princes of the people of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David really honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not rather sent his servants to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” 2 Samuel 10:3 (NKJV)
Nahash the king of the Ammonites, who were at peace with Isreal, had showed kindness to David at a time of need. So, David wanted to show kindness to his son, Hanun, by sending an envoy to support him after his father had died. But King Hanun's corrupt and paranoid advisors convinced him that David's condolence mission was actually a ploy for espionage and conquest. Hanun's response was to humiliate the peace envoy by sending them back to David with half of their beards shaved off and their robes cut open at the buttocks. Because of Hanun's actions a war was started and the Ammonites became servants of Isreal instead of their allies.
Like Hanun, how many times has bad advice gotten us in trouble? Our so-called friends may say try this drug; it will open your mind to new things and then you become a drug addict. Or our adversary the devil says take a drink; it will get rid of the pain and them you become an alcoholic. Or you tell yourself it's ok to look at those pictures; everyone does it and you end up addicted to pornography. It doesn't matter what the addiction is, you become a servant to it because of unwise counsel. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." God is who we should go to first in seeking what to do. If you earnestly seek Him, he will keep you from unwise counsel.
Choose to have a life seeking God's wisdom. Directly ask God when you feel uncertain and stay connected to God's Word to discern His will. If you get that feeling inside that what you are being told in not right, search the scripture for advice. Look for godly, wise individuals who can offer insight from the bible, not just worldly advise. Be discerning about who you listen to, choosing those who walk in God's ways. Remember to always pray for God's guidance in everything you do, and He will keep you from unwise counsel.