Introduction

Misguided counsel refers to advice or guidance that leads individuals away from God's truth and righteousness. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples and warnings against following such counsel. Understanding misguided counsel is crucial for believers who seek to live according to God's will and discern truth from error.

Biblical Examples of Misguided Counsel

1. The Serpent's Deception (Genesis 3:1-6): The first instance of misguided counsel in the Bible occurs in the Garden of Eden. The serpent, representing Satan, deceives Eve by questioning God's command and suggesting that eating the forbidden fruit would make her like God. This counsel led to the fall of humanity. "You will not surely die," the serpent said, directly contradicting God's word (Genesis 3:4).

2. Rehoboam's Folly (1 Kings 12:6-15): King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, sought advice on how to rule the people of Israel. He rejected the wise counsel of the elders and instead followed the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom. The young men advised him to increase the people's burdens, saying, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist" (1 Kings 12:10).

3. Job's Friends (Job 4-27): Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, offered misguided counsel by insisting that Job's suffering was due to his sin. They failed to understand God's purpose and misrepresented His character. Job rebukes them, saying, "Miserable comforters are you all!" (Job 16:2).

4. Peter's Rebuke of Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23): When Jesus foretold His suffering and death, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You" (Matthew 16:22). Jesus recognized this as misguided counsel influenced by human concerns rather than God's plan, responding, "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23).

Characteristics of Misguided Counsel

1. Contradicts God's Word: Misguided counsel often contradicts or distorts the clear teachings of Scripture. It may appeal to human wisdom or desires but ultimately leads away from God's truth.

2. Lacks Spiritual Discernment: Those who offer misguided counsel may lack spiritual insight or understanding of God's purposes. They may rely on human reasoning rather than seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

3. Promotes Self-Interest: Misguided counsel often prioritizes personal gain, comfort, or ambition over obedience to God. It may encourage actions that seem beneficial in the short term but are detrimental to spiritual growth.

4. Ignores Godly Wisdom: True wisdom comes from God and is often at odds with worldly advice. Misguided counsel dismisses or undervalues the wisdom found in Scripture and the counsel of mature believers.

Warnings Against Misguided Counsel

1. Psalm 1:1: "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 warns against following the advice of those who do not honor God.

2. Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" . This proverb highlights the danger of relying on human understanding without seeking God's guidance.

3. Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, rather than according to Christ" . Believers are cautioned against being led astray by worldly philosophies that contradict Christ's teachings.

Seeking Godly Counsel

1. Prayer and Scripture: Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer and the study of His Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

2. Wise Counselors: Surrounding oneself with godly advisors who are grounded in Scripture can help discern truth from error. "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).

3. Discernment through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit provides believers with discernment to recognize and reject misguided counsel. "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

Understanding misguided counsel is essential for maintaining a faithful walk with God. By recognizing its characteristics and seeking godly wisdom, believers can avoid the pitfalls of erroneous advice and remain steadfast in their faith.