2 Samuel 10:3 (KJV)
And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? Hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?
In life, we will all need advice because we will be in a situation where we are unsure what to do. Upon the wrong counsel of the princes of Ammon to Hanun, David’s men were disgraced, as they were mistaken for spies out to survey the city with the sole motive of overthrowing it. That was dearly contrary to David’s intention. 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. It is good to know that if we must be successful, we must associate with the right people who can advise directly or indirectly. Irrespective of our background, the advice we keep and the information we consume determine the predominant thoughts that rule our hearts. These go a long way to establish who we are and the nature of the future that awaits us. Many great futures have been frustrated because of bad advice. Who and where we get advice from matters because the wrong counsel can and will destroy our destinies and cause us to lose everything in life.
The Bible advises being careful of the company we keep. The corrupt influences often point us in the wrong direction, making us make misleading decisions or advice that we may regret. Too many take incorrect advice from sources that do not offer the best and godly advice. Most times, that advice turns out to do more harm than good. Without question, they heed the advice given and never consider what the Lord would have them do. We all will seek advice concerning the execution of our daily duties. However, such advice should be thought through, weighed, and subjected to thorough soul-searching to remove every negative stain before implementation. Isaiah 8:19 says, “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” Isaiah warned us about going to the wrong sources for advice. Instead of going to the living God, many checked with mediums who supposedly consult the dead for advice. It is written in 2 Samuel 5:23, “And when David enquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.” Like David, let us always seek the Lord for advice. Seek His advice from His Word the Bible, and seek His direction by prayer.
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, never be around anyone uninterested 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 wrong advice in the Name of Jesus!
O Lord, I receive the grace to reject every bad advice in Jesus’ Name.