Advisors

David's Folly

The head of a large company resists the advice of his trusted advisors and bulls ahead with ambitious plans. Is that brave leadership or arrogant folly? In the case of King David, his insistence on numbering Israel seemed innocent enough at first, but ultimately proved perilous to the nation (1 Chr. 21:2–8). The tragic incident of David's census provides some important lessons for those in authority:

Follow the will of God. No one knows exactly why David decided to conduct a census, but it was not because God told him to. Perhaps he wished to assess his military strength. Or maybe he was preparing to raise a labor force to construct the temple that he so desperately wanted to build for the Lord (1 Chr. 17:1–6; 22:1–5). In any event, the census was not God's will (1 Chr. 21:7). If you're a leader, you'll want to carefully consider whether your plans go with or against God's will, particularly as it is revealed in Scripture.

Listen when your advisors oppose you. David ignored the advice of his closest counselors (21:4). Joab, the general of his army, recognized that David was going contrary to God's will. He and his captains warned the king that a census was unnecessary. In fact, Joab was so incensed when David persisted that he refused to count the Levites and Benjaminites (21:6).

Proverbs 11:14 says that when counsel is lacking, people fall. But people also fall when counsel is present but ignored. As a leader, you'll want to pay special attention when you receive opposition from those whose advice normally seems sound. It could be a sign that you are headed for serious trouble.

Recognize that your choices affect others. David committed the sin, but it was his people who came under God's judgment (1 Chr. 21:14). The king's stubborn choice resulted in the deaths of seventy thousand of his subjects. In the same way, choices made by leaders today often affect many innocent people under them. For that reason, if you are a leader you'll want to carefully consider the consequences that your decisions may have for others. What happens if you are wrong is at least as important as what happens if you are right.

The Wisdom of Taking Counsel

Leaders are often praised for their decision-making abilities. But wise decision making is rarely a solo performance. Effective leaders invariably surround themselves with people who can provide accurate and timely information, give insight as to the meaning of that information, and offer suggestions and advice about the best course of action to take. In the end, the leader has to make the call, but getting to that point is usually a team effort.

The Book of Proverbs reflects the need for counsel, not only for leaders, but for every person who wants to honor God in life. In fact, the book offers its own principles for making use of wise counsel:

• Sound advice is a part of wisdom (1:5; 8:14).
• Fools despise counsel and refuse to listen to it. They are so convinced that they are right that they don't pay attention to anyone else (1:25, 30; 12:15).
• Many counselors offer safety (11:14). Their variety of opinions tends to ensure success (15:22; 20:18; 24:6).
• Heeding good advice often avoids conflict (13:10).
• Listening to advice has long-term benefits. Wisdom compounds itself over time (19:20).
• It is worth the effort to tap the reservoirs of wise people (20:5).
• Pick your advisors carefully (12:26; 13:20).
• Beware of rumor and gossip—especially when they concern a close, trusted friend (16:28).
• Look for people who can honor confidences (17:9).
• Integrity and courtesy are admirable qualities in an advisor (22:11; 27:9).
• Avoid the opinions of angry people (22:24).
• Allow people who know your situation to help you (27:10).
• No matter what plans and strategies you devise, the will of God will ultimately prevail (19:21; 21:30).
• True friends will tell you the truth (27:6).

Understanding the Times

People of faith are called to be people of wisdom and discernment. That requires an understanding not only of Scripture, but also of the world in which Scripture must be applied. In ancient Israel, David was blessed to have a group of counselors “who had understanding of the times” and thus could advise him on what the nation should do (1 Chr. 12:32).

The tribe of Issachar was especially known for such wise men. In fact, tradition holds that representatives from Issachar tended to be the wisest members of Israel's Sanhedrin, the nation's highest ruling body in the days of Jesus.

No one knows exactly how David's counselors went about “understanding the times.” But it seems reasonable to infer that that their job was to perceive trends, discuss major issues, evaluate information, and consider strategy. Thanks in part to them, David was able to unify the kingdom and a establish a growing empire (1 Chr. 14:2, 17).

Today, God's people still need those who can “understand the times.” Our world now faces changes of such magnitude that some have described the situation as nothing short of chaos. For that reason we need people who can buttress their faith with discernment more than ever. God has not called us to shut down our critical faculties in order to follow every wind of doctrine and promise. Instead, Jesus exhorted His followers to “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16). That means knowing God and knowing the times.