The Danger of Prideful Counsel

by Pua Palakiko on May 09, 2026

SCRIPTURE:

“Absalom and all the men of Israel said, ‘The advice of Hushai the Archite 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 17:14

 

OBSERVATION:

God is sovereign even when people are making sinful choices. Absalom believed he was acting according to his own wisdom, but God was still directing events toward His greater plan. It is also important that Absalom chose the counsel that appealed more to his pride and emotions. Hushai’s advice made Absalom feel powerful and important, while Ahithophel’s wisdom required quick and humble action. This demonstrates how pride can cloud discernment and lead people away from truth. God often works quietly through ordinary circumstances rather than dramatic miracles. God used conversations, personalities, emotions, and human decisions to protect David and fulfill His will. Even while David was fleeing and vulnerable, God was already working for his deliverance.

APPLICATION:

God is still in control even when situations in life seem chaotic or unfair. There are times when it appears that evil people are succeeding or that wrong decisions are prevailing, but God is never absent from those moments. He can work through circumstances that I do not fully understand in order to accomplish His purposes.
It challenges me to examine the kind of advice I accept in my own life. Sometimes it is easier to listen to voices that flatter me or tell me what I want to hear instead of accepting truth that corrects me. Absalom chose the counsel that appealed to his pride, and it ultimately led to his downfall. This reminds me that wisdom often requires humility and a willingness to hear difficult truth.
It encourages me to trust God even when I cannot see what He is doing. David likely felt abandoned and uncertain while he was running from Absalom, yet God was already protecting him behind the scenes. In the same way, God may be working in areas of my life that I cannot currently see. He may be preventing harm, redirecting situations, or answering prayers in ways that are hidden from me right now.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are sovereign over every situation in my life. Help me to trust You when circumstances seem confusing or when it feels like the wrong people are winning. Give me humility so that I will seek wisdom and truth instead of following my pride or emotions. Strengthen my faith so that I can rest in Your control and trust Your timing in every season of life. Amen 

About the Author

Pua Palakiko

Pastor Pua-kiele Palakiko has been with New Hope Oahu since 2007. In the summer of 2008 during a youth camp, God called her  into Full Time Ministry and Pua began serving as a Youth Leader in the Youth Ministry. She is now on staff as the Equipping Pastor, overseeing leaders of our  Youth + Young Adults Ministries and our Children’s Ark Ministry. She oversees our Emerge Internship and has the honor to train, build and equip future church leaders. She is also a gifted speaker and worship leader.


Pua has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries and a Master’s Degree in Formational Leadership. She is humbled and honored to have the privilege to see God's people “Discover, Develop and be Deployed in their God giving gifts.”

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