“Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. Then Hushai the Arkite, David’s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, ‘Long live the king! Long live the king!’ Absalom said to Hushai, ‘So this is the love you show your friend? If he’s your friend, why didn’t you go with him?’ Hushai said to Absalom, ‘No, the one chosen by the Lord, by these people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and I will remain with him. Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.’ 

Absalom said to Ahithophel, ‘Give us your advice. What should we do?’ Ahithophel answered, ‘Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.’ So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.”—2 Samuel 16:15–23 (NIV)

One of the biggest challenges to Christianity is the way society offers advice that contradicts God’s Word. Often, worldly advice sounds good and helpful, but when you take a closer look, you’ll see how it doesn’t honor God. Even worse is how difficult it can be to discern between poor and wise advice. One way you can counteract this is by surrounding yourself with trusted, Christ-minded people. This passage of Scripture shows how poor advice draws us further away from God.

One reason David sends Hushai to Absalom is because he knows Absalom is surrounded by smart advisors. Ahithophel was one of David’s wisest advisors whose counsel was “like that of one who inquires of God.” But Ahithophel betrayed David for Absalom. It was dangerous for Absalom to have access to this kind of counsel, so David sent Hushai to sabotage Ahithophel.

Absalom was a wicked man who sought to humiliate David in his bid for power. Ahithopel advised Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. Doing this would show his control over the throne and humiliate his father in the process. Absalom, emboldened by his ego and wickedness, follows this advice. 

Both Absalom and Ahithophel are aware of the power of God. Absalom grew up watching his father serve God with unabashed joy, and Ahithophel had witnessed God work through David in so many ways. But these men chose themselves over everything, leading them further down the path of sin. This will happen to you as well when you listen to what society encourages rather than seeking God’s counsel. It’s a constant battle to choose God over yourself. However, it’s made easier when you lean into God and the wise people who follow Him. 

We live in a society that’s constantly advising us to think only of ourselves. When you seek advice from a self-serving society, it’ll lead you to things God never intended for your life. But when you surround yourself with Godly counsel, you’ll grow closer to God in ways you never imagined.

Pause: Take a moment and think about the people who surround you. Does their advice reflect God’s character? How does their advice affect those beyond yourself?

Practice: If you don’t have people in your life who reflect God’s character, ask God to show you those people. Seek them out and ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern good judgment.

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me time and time again how to grow closer to You. I pray You’ll surround me with people who seek to honor You as I do. May You help me discern poor judgment from wise counsel and rebuke what dishonors You. Amen