In the Bible, there are examples of bad counsel given to individuals that led to disastrous consequences. These instances serve as warnings for us to be discerning in the advice we receive and follow.
By examining these stories, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of seeking wise counsel and avoiding the pitfalls of listening to unwise advice. Let’s explore some of these examples of bad counsel in the Bible.
7 Examples of Bad Counsel in the Bible
#1. The Serpent and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6)
The story begins in the Garden of Eden. The serpent questions God’s command to Eve. He subtly twists the truth, saying, “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4). This contradicts God’s warning about eating from the tree. The serpent also promises that eating the fruit will make them like God. Eve listens to the serpent and considers his words. She sees that the fruit is good for food and pleasing to the eye.
This moment of temptation leads her to make a poor choice. She shares the fruit with Adam, and they both eat. Their decision brings sin into the world. As a result, they face severe consequences. Adam and Eve are exiled from paradise, losing their intimate relationship with God. This story teaches us the dangers of listening to deceptive counsel.
#2. Rehoboam and the Young Advisors (1 Kings 12:6-15)
Rehoboam becomes king after Solomon’s death. He faces a critical decision regarding the people’s demands for lighter burdens. First, he consults the elders who served his father. They advise him to listen to the people and ease their yoke. Rehoboam, however, chooses to consult his young friends.
They suggest that he should increase the burden, telling him to say, “My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs” (1 Kings 12:10). Rehoboam follows their counsel, responding harshly to the people. This choice leads to a rebellion. The kingdom becomes divided as ten tribes reject his rule. Rehoboam’s decision demonstrates how poor counsel can have far-reaching consequences, ultimately costing him his kingdom.
#3. Job’s Wife (Job 2:9)
Job faces immense suffering after losing his children and wealth. His body is afflicted with painful sores. In his despair, Job’s wife urges him to curse God and die. She asks, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). Her advice reflects her deep despair and lack of faith in God’s plan.
Job, however, rejects her counsel. He responds by affirming his commitment to God, stating that he will accept both good and bad from God. This moment highlights the importance of maintaining faith, even in pain. Job’s refusal to follow his wife’s misguided advice emphasizes the need for wise counsel in times of trouble.
#4. Ahithophel’s Counsel to Absalom (2 Samuel 16:20-23; 17:1-23)
Absalom seeks to overthrow his father, King David. He consults Ahithophel, who is known for his wisdom. Ahithophel advises Absalom to attack David immediately, saying that it will be an easy victory. This advice seems logical, given the circumstances. However, David learns of the plot and prays for confusion among Absalom’s advisors.
Hushai, another advisor, offers a different strategy. He suggests waiting and gathering a larger army. Absalom chooses Hushai’s counsel instead of Ahithophel’s. This decision proves fatal. Absalom’s rebellion ultimately fails, and he meets a tragic end. The story illustrates how poor counsel can shift the course of events and lead to downfall.
#5. The False Prophets and Ahab (1 Kings 22:5-28)
King Ahab wants to go to war against Ramoth-gilead. He seeks guidance from his prophets, who assure him of victory. They say, “Go up; for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king” (1 Kings 22:6). Ahab feels confident but is not entirely convinced. He calls for Micaiah, a true prophet, to get a second opinion.
Micaiah warns Ahab that he will be defeated. He describes a vision of Israel scattered like sheep without a shepherd. Ahab ignores Micaiah’s counsel, preferring the encouraging words of the false prophets. He goes to war anyway. The battle ends in Ahab’s death. This account highlights the danger of seeking out pleasing words instead of wise counsel. It teaches us to discern advice carefully, especially when stakes are high.
#6. Haman’s Counsel to King Xerxes (Esther 3:8-9)
Haman rises to power in the Persian Empire and seeks to destroy the Jews. He approaches King Xerxes and presents a plan. Haman says, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom” (Esther 3:8). He suggests that the king should issue a decree to destroy them. Haman appeals to Xerxes’ authority by offering to pay ten thousand talents of silver to those who carry out the plan.
The king grants Haman permission and hands him his signet ring. This counsel is rooted in hatred and ambition. It puts an entire people at risk based on lies. Haman’s actions ultimately lead to his downfall. The very gallows he prepared for Mordecai, a Jew, become his execution site. This story shows how bad counsel fueled by malice can lead to severe consequences.
#7. The Counsel of the Wicked (Psalm 1:1)
The Book of Psalms warns against following the path of the wicked. The opening verse states, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). This verse highlights the importance of choosing wise counsel. It contrasts the blessed person with those who take advice from the wicked. Such counsel leads to destruction and sorrow.
The psalm emphasizes that walking with the wicked leads to a path of sin and negativity. The righteous, on the other hand, find joy in following God’s law. This passage serves as a reminder to avoid bad counsel and seek guidance that aligns with God’s will.
Closing Thoughts
The examples of bad counsel in the Bible serve as important lessons. They remind us of the dangers of listening to deceptive or unwise advice. Each story illustrates how poor decisions can lead to dire consequences. We must be discerning in whom we choose to trust for guidance.
Seeking wise counsel rooted in truth and faith is crucial for making sound decisions. As we navigate our lives, let us learn from these biblical examples. By prioritizing wisdom and godly advice, we can avoid the pitfalls that come from bad counsel and walk the path that leads to blessing and peace.