Topic: Ungodly Adviser [Wednesday May 18, 2016]
Text: 2 Samuel 10:1-5
Key Verse: “And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and torn overthrow it?” (2 Samuel 10:3).
The Scriptures state that “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). This presupposes the counsellor or adviser is wise, knowledgeable, impartial, unselfish and God fearing.
Consequent upon the evil advice of the princes of Ammon to Hanun, their lord, David’s emissaries were shamefully treated as they were mistaken for spies who were out to survey the city with the sole motive of overthrowing it. This was dearly contrary to David’s intention. The culture of Israel allows men wear full beards as a sign of maturity and authority. Thus when David’s ambassadors had their beards half-shaved, they were subjected to untold shame and indignity.
Hanun took a wrong advice. When he realized his action had angered David, he prepared his soldiers for a clearly avoidable war. He would have thought through the advice and promptly apologized. People in leadership positions, be they presidents, governors or Church leaders, will of necessity seek advice concerning the execution of their duties. Such advice when given should be thought through, weighed and subjected to thorough introspection to remove every negative colouration before implementation.
This will help to ensure the avoidance of tragic mistakes and the attendant unpleasant consequences such as Hanun brought upon himself and his nation. Even as an individual believer, you need not be governed by impulsive actions: your credo in life ought to be predicted upon that time-tested truism: be slow to speak, quick to hear and slow to anger.
Thought for the day: Acting before thinking is the forerunner of a disaster.
Bible Reading in one Year: Ruth 1-2
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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