Seeking forbidden guidance refers to the act of consulting sources or practices that are prohibited by Scripture in order to gain insight, knowledge, or direction. This includes practices such as divination, necromancy, astrology, and other forms of occultism. The Bible explicitly warns against these practices, emphasizing reliance on God alone for guidance and wisdom.

Biblical Prohibitions

The Old Testament contains clear prohibitions against seeking guidance from forbidden sources. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , it is written: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

Leviticus 19:31 further instructs, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God."

Consequences of Disobedience

The Bible provides examples of individuals who sought forbidden guidance and faced dire consequences. King Saul, in desperation, sought the counsel of a medium at Endor, an act that led to his downfall. 1 Samuel 28:7-18 recounts this event, highlighting Saul's disobedience and the resulting judgment from God.

Isaiah 8:19-20 warns against seeking guidance from the dead or from spirits: "When they say to you, 'Consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,' should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn."

Reliance on God

Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from God rather than forbidden sources. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Spiritual Warfare

The New Testament acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of deceptive spirits. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against such deceptions (Ephesians 6:13-17). This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on seeking forbidden guidance are clear and unequivocal. Believers are called to trust in God alone for wisdom and direction, avoiding practices that are detestable to Him. Through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to discern God's will and navigate life's challenges without resorting to forbidden means.