Positive and Negative Use of Wisdom

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 15:31
“And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

Positive and Negative Use of Wisdom

What qualifies one to be known as wise? A dictionary definition describes a wise person as one who is endowed with a capacity for sound judgment marked by deep understanding.

Gifted wise men can use their wisdom for good or evil, and Ahithophel used his wisdom to give evil counsel. He was one of David’s wisest counselors, but he betrayed David and followed after Absalom. David’s disappointment and reaction is evidenced in his one-sentence prayer asking the Lord to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. David knew the only power his disloyal friend had was in the power of his counsel and that if the Lord turned it into foolishness he would not be able to harm David. God answered David’s prayer and Ahithophel’s counsel to Absalom was rejected although it was correct. This rejection caused Ahithophel to put his house in order and end his life. Ironically the man who had been noted for wisdom all his life ended his life foolishly. He killed himself and went straight to hell. If his wisdom had not left him he would have waited for David’s return even at the risk of being killed by David. At least his blood would not be on his own head. Instead he lost both favour and wisdom as a result of his conspiracy against David.

Pray that God will give you the grace to settle every problem or betrayal by taking it to God in prayer. Ask God to make all those who use their talents to oppress or work against you to lose favour and become unwise in the name of Jesus. Pray that God will turn all the counsels of the Ahithophels in your life into foolishness.

If you are gifted with wisdom, do not use it for evil; rather, resolve to use it for good. The Wise Men in Matthew 2:1–2 must have manifested these positive attributes to be classified as universally wise. It is noteworthy that of all the wise things they must have done, the one that is recorded in detail and has lived through the ages is the fact that they searched for Jesus, followed His star, found Him, gave Him gifts, and worshipped Him. Wise men worship Jesus. Are you wise? Are you searching for Jesus? Have you found him? Do you present your gifts and talents to Him? Do you worship Him? May you use your wisdom well.

Prayer Points:

Pray for the grace to apply your heart to wisdom and be numbered universally among those who are wise. Pray for the reality of the knowledge of the Lord that comes from making peace with God in the name of Jesus. Worship the Lord Jesus today with songs of adoration. Bow down before Him; prostrate yourself on the floor and pay homage to the King of kings. Wise men do. Pray that the Lord Jesus will accept your worship and give you the blessings that come from worshipping the King of kings.