by Jill and Paul Ice
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in
the future.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the
LORD that will stand.
Proverbs 19:20-21
The book of Proverbs speaks many times to the subject of wise
counsel. The fool rejects counsel but
the wise will hear and accept instruction.
In I Kings 22 we have a good example of a king that was more
interested in hearing the affirmation of his own plans rather than the counsel
of the Lord.
After hearing the prophecy of his own prophets (who tell him
what he wants to hear), Ahab is asked by Jehoshaphat if there are any other
prophets of whom to inquire the word of the Lord. Ahab’s response, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire
of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never
prophesies good concerning me.”
Have you ever had that kind of spiritual leader in your
life? “I would ask his advice, but he
usually tells me something I don’t want to hear.” (e.g. wise counsel)
Well Ahab doesn’t like the counsel of the Lord and here is
the rest of the story.
Ahab then questions Micaiah, and insists that he speak
nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord. Micaiah then gives a true prophecy
that includes a message from the Lord that the other prophets’ predictions were
a result of a lying spirit. As a result of Micaiah’s prophecy, Ahab ordered
Micaiah to be imprisoned until Ahab returns from battle, unharmed (1 Kings 22:27 ).
Perhaps concerned with the prophecy, Ahab disguises himself
in battle rather than lead his troops openly as their king. However, Ahab is
killed in battle after being struck by a randomly shot arrow. Micaiah's
prophecy was fulfilled, contrary to the word of 400 false prophets, all of whom
encouraged Ahab to attack with a prediction of victory.
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to
advice.
Proverbs 12:15
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