The concept of prophecy against wicked counsel is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God, through His prophets, denounces the plans and advice of those who lead His people astray. This theme underscores the divine disapproval of guidance that contradicts God's will and the inevitable judgment that follows such rebellion.

Biblical Instances

1. Isaiah's Denunciation: In the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks against the leaders of Judah who rely on alliances with foreign nations rather than trusting in God. Isaiah 30:1 declares, "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin." Here, the prophet condemns the counsel that leads to reliance on human strength rather than divine guidance.

2. Jeremiah's Warning: Jeremiah frequently confronted false prophets and leaders who offered deceptive counsel. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" This passage highlights the danger of following counsel that originates from human imagination rather than divine revelation.

3. Ezekiel's Rebuke: Ezekiel also addresses the issue of false counsel. In Ezekiel 13:3 , the Lord says, "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing." The prophet Ezekiel is tasked with exposing the false visions and deceptive messages that lead the people away from God's truth.

Characteristics of Wicked Counsel

· Contrary to God's Word: Wicked counsel often contradicts the clear teachings and commandments of Scripture. It encourages actions and beliefs that are not aligned with God's revealed will.

· Rooted in Human Wisdom: Such counsel typically relies on human reasoning, political alliances, or cultural trends rather than seeking divine guidance. It prioritizes immediate, worldly solutions over spiritual obedience.

· Leads to Destruction: The Bible consistently warns that following wicked counsel results in negative consequences, both spiritually and materially. Proverbs 14:12 states, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Divine Response

God's response to wicked counsel is one of judgment and correction. He raises prophets to call out falsehood and to guide His people back to the truth. The prophetic messages serve as both a warning and an invitation to repentance. In Isaiah 8:10 , the futility of opposing God's plans is declared: "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us."

Application for Believers

Believers are called to discern the counsel they receive, ensuring it aligns with Scripture and the character of God. The New Testament echoes this call for discernment. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

The theme of prophecy against wicked counsel serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of seeking and adhering to God's wisdom, resisting the temptation to follow guidance that leads away from His truth.