Played: 28 | Download | Duration: 00:02:28

Bad Advice

Hushai said to Absalom, “No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.” – 2 Samuel 16:18-19

Absalom had routed his father David from Jerusalem and was positioned to become the next King of Israel. Ever shrewd, David planted his advisor Hushai in Absalom’s court of advisors. With flattery and smooth talk Hushai won Absalom’s trust. That was all it took to end his overthrow of David.

We’ve all heard the story of Absalom fleeing David, getting his famously long hair tangled in a tree limb and being killed by Joab. But his fate was sealed when he listened to the intentionally bad advice of Hushai. You see, Hushai had an agenda that wasn’t favorable to Absalom because his allegiance was to David. Absalom ignored the advice of those who had his best interests at heart and paid with his life.

We must seek the advice of others when faced with decisions in our lives. Trusting our own experience or instincts can lead to poorly formed choices and disappointing results. But it is equally dangerous to seek the advice of those who have another agenda or those who might simply tell us what we want to hear. When you have an important decision to make be wise and beware bad advice. Surround yourself with Godly people, ask for their input, test what they tell you against scripture and proceed with confidence. In this way you’ll avoid getting hung up like Absalom!

Prayer
Father, grant me the wisdom to surround myself with faithful advisors who will speak your truth when I’m faced with important decisions. Help me to listen, test and heed good advice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.