2 Chronicles 10:12-14
So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day. And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, and answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
From our anchored Scripture, king Rehoboam abandoned the counsel the older men gave him and took counsel with the young men, which cost his reign as a king in Israel. Most of the time, when we seek advice, it is because we are in a situation where we are unsure what to do. Who we get advice from matters because the wrong direction can and will destroy our destinies and cause us to lose everything in life. The detrimental impact of wrong advice is immeasurable, with numerous potential success stories cut short. It is essential to know that if we must be successful, we must associate with the right people who can directly or indirectly advise and assist in fulfilling our destinies. Irrespective of our background or lifestyle, the advice we keep and the kind of information we consume determine the predominant thoughts that rule our hearts. These go a long way to establishing who we are and the type of future that awaits us. Proverbs 1:30-31 says, “They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices.”
The Bible consistently advises us to be cautious about the people we surround ourselves with. The wrong influences often point us in the wrong direction, making us make decisions or advice that we may regret. Too many take bad advice from sources that do not offer excellent and godly advice. Without question, they heed the advice given and never consider what the Lord would have them do. Most often, that advice does more harm than good. 2 Samuel 10:3 says, “But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” Upon the evil advice of the princes of Ammon to Hanun, their lord, David’s emissaries, were shamefully treated as they were mistaken for spies who were out to survey the city with the sole motive of overthrowing it. David did not intend for this to happen. Hanun took the wrong advice, and when he realized his action had angered David, he prepared his soldiers and hired more soldiers from Syria for an avoidable war. We all will, of necessity, seek advice concerning the execution of our daily duties. To make the most out of the advice we receive, weigh its potential outcomes, evaluate its alignment with our values, and reflect on it before putting it into action. Following this approach ensures that any negative consequences are dealt with promptly.
Beloved, advice is prevalent, but where you get it is essential. Good counsel is a good thing, even if it hurts to hear it, whether you are the receiver or the giver of that counsel. Good advice equals the best outcome. On the other hand, the bad influence in your life equals the wrong result. If you ask Amnon(2 Samuel 13), he will tell you that his bad advice from his friend Jonadab caused his death. Never hang around anyone who will give you wrong advice or doesn’t carry your fire, drive, or passion. Whether it be family or friends, only be around people interested in your beliefs. To hang around them will quench your fire. Friendship isn’t for FUN but for the future, so choose your friends wisely. Don’t manage people. Love everybody, but relate carefully. Don’t give your ear and heart to everybody; not everyone adds value to your life. Don’t get your advice from wood sources(Hosea 4:12). Go to God. Before seeking advice, pray and ask God for wisdom in choosing the correct counsel. It’s the only thing that can permanently solve the problems you’ve been facing. Listen for the Spirit of God to advise you. Pay particular attention to what He says through the written Word. Remember, God’s advice is never wrong! You will no longer be a victim of bad advice in the Name of Jesus!
O Lord, I receive the grace to reject every wrong advice in Jesus’ Name.