Advice

Bad Advice

By consulting a medium (1 Sam. 28:7), Saul not only made a poor choice, he got bad advice—“bad” in the sense of evil. His use of witchcraft was a violation of the Law and ultimately led to his death (1 Chr. 10:13–14). Scripture is clear that God's people are to have nothing to do with mediums, oracles, soothsayers, or other elements of witchcraft.

God has spoken clearly against seeking spirituality and guidance apart from Him. We need not resort to witchcraft or other occult practices, as He has given us His Word to guide us and the Spirit to help us. He also gives us the counsel of wise friends in the faith (Prov. 20:18; 24:6).

Be Careful of Counsel

As you make decisions and strategize plans, you'll do well to gain counsel from wise, trusted confidants. In fact, Proverbs says that utilizing input from many counselors offers safety (Prov. 11:14). Their variety of opinions tends to ensure success (15:22; 20:18; 24:6).

The people of Isaiah's day could have benefited by heeding wise counsel, but they had a hard time distinguishing good counsel from bad. So Isaiah contrasted the two. Reliable counsel…

• listens carefully to God (Is. 8:11);
• is not quick to identify “conspiracies” (8:12);
• avoids acting solely out of fear (8:12); and
• praises and respects the Lord (8:13).

Unreliable counsel…

• ignores God's law and testimony (8:19–20);
• allows anger to distort things (8:21); and
• leads to trouble and anguish (8:22).

Can you identify the sources of good and bad counsel in your life? Would anyone be able to mention you as a source of wise counsel and advice?

For more on this topic, see EXPERIENCE, “Listening to the Voice of Experience”.