From whom should you take advice?
Solomon will write: “A wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). “Wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Proverbs 13:10). “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take advice” (Ecclesiastes 4:13).
But then again, you have to be sure of the loyalty and competence of those from whom you take advice.
Absalom was more than a little careless.
Ahithophel was known throughout Israel as the wisest advisor to the king. Additionally, he was loyal to Absalom. On the other hand, Hushai was not to be trusted completely and even Absalom knew it (note how incredible he finds Hushai’s defection to be in 16:17). His allegiance was an unknown variable. Note too the vagueness of his advice: He didn’t know where David was. He didn’t know where he would be found. He counseled getting all Israel together – in other words, wait for the perfect time.
The advice was perfect. Too perfect. And Absalom listened to Hushai and lost the war.
Seek advice. It’s the fool who doesn’t.
But seek it from people who know what they are doing. Financial counsel from someone doing as well as you are is a waste of time. Marriage advice from the unmarried (or someone who has failed in marriage) or child-rearing advice from the childless (or from those whose children are failures) is hollow. Spiritual advice from those whose walk with God is no better than your own will not likely lead to holiness.
Seek advice from people you know have your best interests at heart. You know it because their concern for you has been seen in their lives over and over.
Absalom took poor advice, and the result was defeat. Don’t let it happen to you.