2 Samuel, Week 16 - Day 2: The Danger of Bad Counsel

2 Samuel, Week 16 Day 2: The Danger of Bad Counsel Devotional Behind almost every secret sin there is a voice egging you on. For Amnon, that voice was his friend Jonadab, who handed him crafty counsel that led straight to disaster. Take the lesson: not every piece of advice you get is godly, and a lot of it is flat-out from the enemy. The world has plenty of voices telling you that your happiness is what matters most, that you deserve to follow your heart, that you should chase whatever feels good. But Scripture is blunt about it—wisdom that leads you into sin is not from God. It is demonic. A real friend, a real counselor, will never push you deeper into temptation or talk you out of your integrity. So be discerning about whose voice gets a hearing. Godly counsel points you toward righteousness even when righteousness is hard. It reminds you of God’s standard and helps you run from temptation instead of rationalizing it. When someone is coaching you toward a path that contradicts Scripture, that is your cue to go find different counsel. Bible Verse “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” — James 3:15 (ESV) Reflection Question Who are the voices of influence in your life, and are they pointing you toward or away from God’s truth? Quote “Any wisdom that leads you into sin is not from God. Any wisdom that leads you away from God is from the devil.” Prayer Father, give me the discernment to spot ungodly counsel for what it is, and surround me with wise people who will point me toward Your ways.