Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 10:3-4 (KJV)
“And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? Hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.”

Reflections: Hanun, the new king of Ammon, made a grave error by listening to the misguided advice of his princes. Instead of showing gratitude for David’s kindness, he humiliated David’s servants, escalating unnecessary conflict between the two nations. This passage underscores the importance of discernment when receiving counsel, even from trusted associates. Not all advice, no matter how sincere or well-meaning, aligns with God’s wisdom. Acting without discernment can lead to trouble, broken relationships, and unintended consequences. Many conflicts and setbacks in life arise from heeding counsel that is based on fear, pride, or misunderstanding rather than divine wisdom. Before acting on advice, especially in critical matters, seek God’s guidance through prayer and weigh the counsel against His Word.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to discern between good and bad counsel.

Confession: I am not swayed by ungodly counsel. I seek the Lord’s direction in all my decisions. rans4d