2 Samuel 17

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2 Samuel 17:14-16,  Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so.  Now send a message at once and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords in the wilderness; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’”

And the drama continues.  Hushai, a trusted advisor of King David, has convinced Absalom that he has switched camps.  He is essentially a spy for David.  Ahithophel has already offered advice to Absalom but Hushai intervenes and offers his own strategy.  Absalom decides to go with Hushai’s plan of action for attacking David and his troops.  This allows Hushai time to get word to David so they will be prepared for what is to come.

From who do you get your advice and guidance?  Obviously, we want to seek guidance first from the Lord.  But then, it is often helpful to have people who we trust to advise us in times of struggle or when a big decision needs to be made.  And my suggestion would be to choose these people wisely!  As we have witnessed in these texts, anyone can offer advice but only a few offer wise counsel.  Think about it.  Who do you go to for wise counsel?  Why have you chosen them?  If you don’t have those people in your life, pray about who God might have put in your life for just that purpose. 

Friends, we need one another.

Let’s pray…Almighty God, I thank you for those people in my life who offer wise, Godly counsel.  Help me remember to not rush into decisions but spend time with you first and then others who can help guide my decisions.  Lord, I need you.  Help guide me every step of the way.  In Your Name, Amen.