BEWARE OF YOUR ADVISERS

(2Samuel 10:1-19)

2 Samuel 10:3-4,6,18-19

the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!”

So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.

When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, they sent and hired 20,000 Aramean foot soldiers from the lands of Beth-rehob and Zobah, 1,000 from the king of Maacah, and 12,000 from the land of Tob.

But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 700 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army.

When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.

David's intention was pure in sending out ambassadors to greet Hanun after his father's death, however Hanun's commanders thought otherwise, they counseled Hanun against the intentions of the visit.

Listen, be careful who you listen to and who advises you. Also be careful how you act after counsel.

Remember the reason why we study these scriptures:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

We are to learn from these records.

Yes, we know that the world has evil in it and just as scripture recorded:

Jeremiah 17:9

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. 

Who really knows how bad it is?

We know this yet that does not mean that every action is intended for evil.

Do not culture your mind to just dwell on the evil intention of others, else you will be consumed by evil itself. Be cautious, yet be wise.

Listen,

Titus 1:15

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.

So even if you suspect an evil intention you do not then become evil.

Look at the error of Hanun, yes you were counselled that David's intention may not have been well intended, what should be your action?

He should have just received the greeting and gone along with his leadership role. However, he didn't do that, he stirred a war and that is what he got!

At the end he lost people, lost his allies and finally was enslaved.

Listen, without wisdom, things will work against you. Many hold on to what they think is wisdom but it is actually the height of foolishness!

Proverbs 3:13-14,35

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.

For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.

The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!

Do you know that the Lord wants us to always walk in wisdom and He is ready to give us when we ask?

James 1:5

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Never let evil engulf you, yes, there is a lot of evil in the world but you are light, why rope yourself more and more into that evil. No. Instead shine the light that you are. Keep your heart pure.

It is like a bondage, it keeps you in perpetual living of hate and bitterness to people who have actually done nothing wrong to you. Anyone who is encouraging you to go on in that hate or you encouraging others to walk in that hate do not love you at all. They are working for your shame, set yourself free.

Can we learn from Hanun's error and seek good advice from those who really know, not by sentiment or common enemy but by Godly wisdom.

This is why Christ gave us the Holy Spirit.

However, most of us have silenced the Holy Spirit in us, when scriptures sternly warned:

Ephesians 4:30

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

We have replaced the place and guidance of God's Spirit with: social media, common enemy counselors, movies, sentiment, emotions and all wrong vices.

Can we get back on track, can we let the real "Counselor" counsel us.

Oh help us Good Lord.

PRAYER

Loving Father help me, bring me back to full leaning on Your Holy Spirit in all things that I may have good counsel and not err. Release Your wisdom to me Father today, let me please You in all things. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher.