Cunning counsel, often characterized by deceitful or manipulative advice, poses significant spiritual and moral dangers as depicted in the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against such counsel, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God rather than relying on human cunning.

Biblical Examples:

1. The Serpent's Deception (Genesis 3:1-6): The first instance of cunning counsel is found in the Garden of Eden, where the serpent, described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1), deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. The serpent's subtle manipulation leads to the fall of humanity, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of heeding deceitful advice.

2. Ahithophel's Betrayal (2 Samuel 15-17): Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, is renowned for his wisdom, yet he turns against David to support Absalom's rebellion. His counsel, though strategically sound, is ultimately rooted in betrayal and treachery. David prays, "O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" (2 Samuel 15:31), highlighting the need for divine intervention against cunning counsel.

3. Rehoboam's Folly (1 Kings 12:1-15): King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, rejects the wise counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom. The young men's counsel, marked by arrogance and harshness, demonstrates the danger of forsaking experienced and godly advice for the sake of prideful ambition.

Warnings Against Cunning Counsel:

1. Proverbs on Deceitful Advice: The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against deceit and the perils of following cunning counsel. Proverbs 12:5 states, "The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit" . This highlights the contrast between righteous and wicked counsel, urging believers to discern and reject deceitful advice.

2. The Deceptive Heart (Jeremiah 17:9): The prophet Jeremiah warns, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse underscores the inherent deceitfulness of the human heart, cautioning against relying solely on human wisdom and understanding.

3. New Testament Admonitions: The New Testament continues to caution against cunning counsel. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns believers to "no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming" . This admonition encourages spiritual maturity and discernment to withstand deceptive teachings.

Spiritual Implications:

Cunning counsel often leads individuals away from God's truth and into sin. It can result in broken relationships, spiritual downfall, and a departure from God's intended path. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek wisdom from God, who "gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5), and to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Considerations:

1. Discernment and Prayer: Believers are encouraged to cultivate discernment through prayer and study of the Scriptures. Seeking God's guidance in decision-making helps to avoid the pitfalls of cunning counsel.

2. Godly Counsel: Surrounding oneself with godly advisors who are rooted in biblical truth is essential. Proverbs 11:14 states, "For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance" .

3. Testing the Spirits: In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" . This involves evaluating counsel against the truth of Scripture and the character of God.

By understanding the dangers of cunning counsel and adhering to biblical principles, believers can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity, remaining steadfast in their faith.