Wrong advice
Esther 1:13-14"13 Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times 14 and were closest to the king—Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memukan, the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom."
Truth is drowned in the practicalities of life! Never hesitate to point out sins, explain the Bible scriptures and warn people to come out from sins. There are false prophets, teachers and other fake people hovering around, who hide their true identity but disguise as true servants of God.
King Ahasuerus seeks counsel from his seven closest, highest-ranking advisors—Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—after Queen Vashti refused his command to appear. While they were considered "wise men who understood the times" and were experts in law; yet, we must understand they have been drinking and partying for 6 months, so what kind of intelligence and wisdom can we expect from such nobles???? The advisor Memucan argues that Vashti’s disobedience is not just a personal insult to the King, but a national security threat that will cause all women in the empire to despise their husbands. Memucan is trying to throw his weight around and thereby to instead of advising the king to handle a domestic dispute privately, he makes it a national issue. So when counselling is given by the wrong people, the issue affects a lot of people, just not only the individual concerned. Anybody listening? 2 Timothy 3:3 “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” The king followed Memucan's advice, leading to divorce and banishment of Vashti.
“Holy Spirit told me” or “God told me” flows out of every other mouth these days…………You don’t have to believe everything and anything! Beware! When seeking advice, it is crucial to identify mentors who exhibit godly maturity. Look for fruits in their life!
Surround yourself with good counselling and godly people. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Do not ape the world or spend much time with the wrong crowd who might eventually draw you away from God. The company you keep directly shapes your character. "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20). We read in the Bible that “the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had special access to the king and were highest in the kingdom.” These are the wicked counsellors who gave him the plan to throw the booze party for the entire nation. Imagine!
Let us pray for good counselling for Middle East crisis: Lord, we come before You today to lift up the advisors, strategists, and leaders currently navigating the complexities of the crisis in the Middle East. At this moment, when crucial decisions are being weighed, we ask for a divine shift from "wicked" or prideful counsel to that which seeks peace and the preservation of life.
