February 12, 2025

Passage Read: 2 Samuel 14-17
Meditation Verse: 17:23

Thought

For all his wisdom, Ahithophel didn't see a problem with joining the son in rebellion against his father? Does he not know how greatly God hates rebellion? David's own life is a testimony to that. God anointed David king but would not give him the throne until Saul died; David refused to lay a hand on the Lord's anointed, even though he was also anointed to replace Saul. David never took that as permission to destroy Saul. Ahithophel should have known that in all his wisdom. Absalom wasn't even anointed by God. Now everyone was thinking like the rest of mankind: the oldest son is next in line to be king, no anointing necessary. They didn't think to check with God. Ahithophel should not have needed the rejection of his advice to recognize this whole thing was a bad idea, but now he knew he had greatly offended the Lord, so he took his own life. Another way he misunderstood the Lord: He could have repented and sought mercy, instead he judged himself irredeemable and killed himself.

Application

The wisest men are not always as wise as everyone thinks. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. No matter how wise others may say a man is, the real test is how well he knows, loves and follows the Lord and His Word. Of course, to determine that, I need to know love and follow the Lord and His Word myself, so I can recognize others who do likewise. A man may be very wise in the eyes of other men, but I want to learn from someone who has given up their life in submission to the Word of God. That is a true wise man, whose advice would be sure and safe.