TOPIC: Spiritual Discernment In Leadership
SCRIPTURE: "And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom (2 Samuel 16:23)."
Scripture repeatedly warns us about the danger of bad counsel. The Bible reveals this in the story of Ahithophel, a man whose counsel carried such weight that it was regarded as though one had inquired at the oracle of God (2 Samuel 16:23).
He was esteemed, trusted and relied upon, not only by David but later also by Absalom. Yet, despite his reputation, he became a part of an evil conspiracy. When Absalom rebelled against his father, David, the conspiracy gained strength, and the people increased continually with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12). In the midst of that uprising, Ahithophel joined himself to Absalom.
Then the report reached David: “...Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom...” (2 Samuel 15:31). The presence of Ahithophel in Absalom’s camp meant strategic advantage, because his counsel was powerful, persuasive and influential. But David didn’t panic or try to outmanoeuvre Ahithophel by human strategy. He simply prayed, “...O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31).
That prayer reveals a vital truth: no matter how intelligent a counsel appears, if it’s aligned against God’s purpose, it can be defeated. This is why discernment is essential for leaders. Not every voice around leaders is sent to help. Some counsellors present themselves as wise, but their intent is to mislead, divide and destroy.
They push out the good, speak against the righteous, and attempt to plant ideas that weaken what God is building. But they’re not beyond the reach of divine judgment. The Lord can expose them, silence them and turn their wisdom into foolishness.
As Christians, we must understand and take advantage of our authority in Christ to affect nations and their leaders, families and destinies. Therefore, always pray with understanding, that those in authority may be guided by truth, surrounded by righteous counsel, and strengthened to fulfil God’s purpose. Pray that the Spirit of God will continually grant them discernment to identify and prevail over deceptive agendas, and walk in the wisdom of God. Praise God!
PRAISEJAMZBLOG INSIGHT
Today’s devotional reminds us that wisdom and influence alone are not enough; spiritual discernment is essential in leadership. Not every voice that sounds wise is aligned with God’s purpose. The story of Ahithophel shows that even highly respected counsel can become dangerous when it opposes righteousness and truth. This is why leaders must depend on God’s wisdom, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than human intelligence alone. As believers, we are also called to pray for leaders, families, churches, and nations, that they will be surrounded by godly counsel and protected from deceptive influences. When God grants discernment, every hidden agenda is exposed, and His purpose prevails.
Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom of your Spirit at work in me and in your Church. I pray for leaders in nations and institutions, that they be surrounded with righteous counsel and guided by truth. Every deceptive influence is exposed, and every counsel that opposes your purpose is turned into foolishness. Your wisdom prevails, and your will is established in the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Psalm 33:10-11: “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”
Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”
2 Samuel 17:23: “And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.”.
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