Wicked counsel, as depicted in the Bible, often leads to destructive outcomes for individuals, families, and nations. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of following ungodly advice, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom from God and His Word.

Old Testament Examples

1. Rehoboam's Folly: One of the most illustrative examples of the consequences of wicked counsel is found in the account of King Rehoboam. Upon ascending to the throne, Rehoboam sought advice on how to govern the people of Israel. The elders advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, but he rejected their counsel in favor of the advice from his peers, who suggested he increase the people's burdens. This decision led to the division of the kingdom. As recorded in 1 Kings 12:14, "He spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, 'My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.'" This choice resulted in the ten northern tribes rebelling and forming their own kingdom under Jeroboam.

2. Ahithophel's Betrayal: Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, is another example. Known for his wise counsel, Ahithophel betrayed David and sided with Absalom during Absalom's rebellion. However, God thwarted Ahithophel's advice through Hushai, David's friend, leading to Absalom's defeat. Ahithophel's account ends tragically, as he took his own life when his counsel was not followed (2 Samuel 17:23).

3. The Counsel of Balaam: Balaam, though initially refusing to curse Israel, ultimately gave counsel to Balak, king of Moab, to entice the Israelites into sin through idolatry and immorality. This led to God's wrath and a plague among the Israelites, as described in Numbers 31:16: "Behold, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so that the plague was upon the congregation of the LORD."

New Testament Warnings

1. The Pharisees and Sadducees: Jesus frequently warned against the teachings and counsel of the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were seen as leading the people astray with their legalism and hypocrisy. In Matthew 16:6, Jesus cautioned, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Their influence led many away from the true understanding of God's law and the message of salvation.

2. False Prophets and Teachers: The New Testament also warns against false prophets and teachers who offer wicked counsel. In 2 Peter 2:1-2, it is written, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed."

Principles and Warnings

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking godly wisdom and counsel. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Conversely, wicked counsel leads to ruin and destruction. Psalm 1:1-2 contrasts the blessed man who avoids the counsel of the wicked with one who delights in the law of the Lord.

The consequences of wicked counsel are not only immediate but can have lasting spiritual implications. The Bible encourages believers to test all counsel against the truth of Scripture, to pray for discernment, and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."