Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel’s advice.
Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would[a] choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.
But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.” When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, “Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.”
Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first, whoever hears about it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.’ Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.
“So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba-as numerous as the sand on the seashore-be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not so much as a pebble is left.”
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
– 2 Samuel 16:23-17:14
Devotion
Absalom went to his two counselors for advice. If Absalom had gone along with Ahithophel’s plan, Absalom would probably have been successful in usurping David’s throne. David prayed that God would turn Ahithophel’s advise into foolishness and God answered that prayer through the advice of Hushai. Hushai’s plan appealed to Absalom’s vanity by predicting high praise and glory for Absalom if he personally led the entire army against David. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that “Pride goes before destruction, A haughty spirit before a fall. God had answered David’s prayer by confusing Ahithophel’s counsel.
The Big Question
Can you think of a time that your own pride caused great pain not only for yourself but others close to you? How can you share your experience with others so they may avoid costly mistakes? Who can you seek to provide wise counsel? God will give you wisdom if you ask him! (See James 1: 5)
Conclude in prayer and silence reflecting on what you’ve learned.