WHEN WE RECEIVE CONFLICTING ADVICE PRAY

PROCLAMATION

“And Hushai said unto Absalom, ‘The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.  For,’ said Hushai, ‘thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men … and thy father is a man of war …’ ”  2 Samuel 17:7-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  After King David fled from Jerusalem and Absalom had occupied the city, Absalom first sought the advice of Ahithophel, who had been David’s advisor.  He advised Absalom to take two thousand men and attack David now while he is weary. (2 Samuel 17:1-3) Then he sought the advice of Hushai, who had been David’s friend.  He advised Absalom to gather all the men of Israel and then lead the attack on David from a position of superior numbers because David and his men were mighty men of war. (2 Samuel 17:4-13)  Absalom liked the plan proposed by Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:4) until he heard the plan offered by Hushai. (2 Samuel 17:14)  From a military perspective, the advice of Hushai was better than the advice from Ahithophel, but it was also better for David because it gave him more time to prepare for the battle.  David was warned of Absalom’s plan and he left the field and crossed over the Jordan river. (2 Samuel 17:15-22) 

 

APPLICATION

We should be very careful regarding who we listen to or seek advice from.  Almost everyone has an opinion, and advice is readily available everywhere from multiple sources.  However, when the well-respected experts disagree on a matter and offer us different advice, we need to give the matter prayerful consideration.  The “good advice” which we receive may very well benefit someone else.  More importantly, good advice is only “good” if we ask the right question.  That is why we need to take everything to The Lord in prayer. (Ephesians 6:18)