To Whom Do You Listen?

Memory Verse: "Meanwhile, Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, who was the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Now Jonadab was a very shrewd man." (2 Sam.13:3, ISV)

Scripture Reading: 2 Sam.13:1-39.

David and his family experienced a series of tragedies. And it all began after he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

His son, Amnon, deceived and raped David's daughter, Tamar. In revenge, another son, Absalom, murdered Amnon, and then led a revolt against his father. Yet the spark for these problems was a [supposed] 'counsellor' named Jonadab.

When Amnon was frustrated with desire for Tamar, Jonadab was the person to whom he turned. And it was Jonadab who suggested rape. Two years later, when Amnon was murdered by Absalom's men, where was Jonadab? At the side of King David himself, where he was positioned as David's confidante. His advice led to the death of Amnon and he was the first person to break the news directly to David.

The Bible says that Jonadab was a "very shrewd man." His words seemed wise, but, in the end, he was more "shrewd" than filled with godly wisdom.

By application of today's devotional in our lives, the story of Jonadab reminds us of why we need to be careful about where and who we turn for advice. There may be people like Jonadab in our lives, people we might consult when we need to make decisions: pastors, church workers, friends or neighbours, co-workers or relatives. Or they can be authors, talk show hosts, celebrities, gossip columnists, and other "authorities."

But we are to be prayerful about where we turn. We first should commit our problems to God. To pray and seek His guidance, always seeking to live by biblical principles. Always making decisions consistent with His Word. If we need help, we need to make sure that we look to people who really know God. Who are filled with godly wisdom with a practical manifestation of this wisdom at work in their own lives.

Today, ask God to give you wisdom to make the right decisions about the issues you face. Ask Him to deliver you from the influence of deceptive men and women, and help you to recognize those people who are being led by God, and filled with His wisdom.

Ponder Point: You are what you listen to.

Action Point: Make the Holy Spirit your number 1 Counsellor on ALL issues. Only then, will He lead you to godly counsellors.

Prayer: Father, give me Your perspective on the people I look to for advice. Give me Your wisdom, and discernment in Jesus name, Amen.