Misguided counsel, often stemming from human wisdom rather than divine guidance, poses significant spiritual and practical dangers. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the perils of following advice that is not rooted in God's truth.

Biblical Examples of Misguided Counsel

1. Rehoboam's Folly: One of the most illustrative examples of misguided counsel is found in the account of King Rehoboam. Upon ascending to the throne, Rehoboam sought advice on how to govern the people. The elders advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, but the young men who had grown up with him suggested he should increase the people's burdens. Rehoboam followed the latter advice, leading to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:6-19). This narrative highlights the danger of rejecting wise, experienced counsel in favor of advice that appeals to pride or power.

2. Job's Friends: In the Book of Job, Job's friends offer counsel that is based on a flawed understanding of God's justice. They insist that Job's suffering must be a result of his sin, failing to recognize the broader spiritual context of his trials. God ultimately rebukes them, saying, "You have not spoken the truth about Me, as My servant Job has" (Job 42:7). This account underscores the danger of counsel that misrepresents God's character and purposes.

3. Ahithophel's Betrayal: Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, is another example. Initially known for his wise counsel, Ahithophel later sided with Absalom in his rebellion against David. His advice to Absalom, though strategically sound, was ultimately treacherous and led to his own downfall (2 Samuel 15-17). This account illustrates how even wise counsel can become dangerous when motivated by personal ambition or betrayal.

Warnings Against Misguided Counsel

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of following ungodly advice. Psalm 1:1 cautions, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers" . This verse emphasizes the importance of discerning the source of counsel and avoiding advice that leads away from righteousness.

Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel" . This proverb highlights the folly of self-reliance and the value of seeking godly wisdom. It warns against the arrogance of assuming one's own understanding is sufficient without seeking guidance from those who are spiritually mature.

Characteristics of Misguided Counsel

Misguided counsel often shares certain characteristics that can be identified and avoided:

· Contradiction to Scripture: Any advice that contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture is inherently dangerous. The Bible is the ultimate standard for truth, and counsel that deviates from it leads to spiritual peril.

· Appeal to Fleshly Desires: Counsel that appeals to pride, greed, or other fleshly desires rather than promoting humility, selflessness, and godliness is suspect. James 3:15 warns, "Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic" .

· Lack of Prayer and Discernment: Counsel that is given or received without prayer and discernment is prone to error. Philippians 1:9-10 encourages believers to grow in love and discernment, "so that you may approve what is excellent" .

The Role of Godly Counsel

In contrast to misguided counsel, godly counsel is characterized by alignment with Scripture, encouragement towards righteousness, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" . This highlights the importance of seeking advice from those who are grounded in biblical truth and who demonstrate spiritual maturity.

Ultimately, the dangers of misguided counsel serve as a reminder of the need for discernment and reliance on God's wisdom. By seeking counsel that aligns with His Word and character, believers can navigate life's challenges with confidence and faithfulness.