2 SAMUEL 16:23

2 Samuel 15-17 are quite sobering, especially as a father myself to four boys. David realizes his son Absalom has conspired against him to steal away the kingdom. There is a lot of weeping, mourning, and sadness as David as his men leave Jerusalem. You can read Psalm 3 and 55 to hear more of David’s deep pain and despair.

In the midst of this story, I was particularly struck by 16:23 and 17:24…

Now in those days the counsel that Ahithophel gave was as if one consulted the word of God; so was all the counsel of Ahithophel esteemed, both by David and by Absalom

The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom.

This is a great reminder that nothing compares to the wisdom of God. No one’s wisdom or counsel compares to his. He alone gives insight. No world renown leader in thought or skill knowns more than God. Those you look up to most for their wisdom, smarts, or intellect pale in comparison to God’s wisdom.

We can’t forget this. God is the source of all wisdom. Yes look to others for help and guidance and input. But always look to God first and last. Pray and talk to the giver of all wisdom more than anything else. Take the advice of others with a grain of salt and put everything through God’s grid. His plans and purposes will prevail and he ultimately establishes our steps (Pr. 16:9).

There is no counsel, advice, or input that compares to the LORD God’s!

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

– Romans 11:33