Following Advice...

Following advice can be dangerous. When ever I get advice from someone, the first question I ask is, “does this agree with the Word of God”? If it contradicts it, it’s not good advice. Does the person giving the advice seek after God? Does his reputation speak for itself? Even then, I will still weigh the offered wisdom. Bad advice can still come from God, but it’s up to us, how we respond to it. It may be discipline from God, due to something we are practicing or toying with. The key is to recognize the source of the counsel, then apply it to your circumstance. It may just be the advice itself spurs the awareness of the change that needs to take place and thus, serves its purpose by prompting the necessary change needed without being actually carried out. On the other hand, without the right mindset and seeking of God, it may be to your downfall, as in Absalom’s case here. The key to this is seeking Godly wisdom, and applying it to yourself first. Only God can reveal its true purpose. Stay close to God, and dependent on His Grace.

34 Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. 35 Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, will be there. Tell them about the plans being made in the king’s palace, 36 and they will send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what is going on.”37 So David’s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalom arrived. 2 Samuel 15:34-37

23 Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God. 2 Samuel 16:23