THE WISDOM OF GOD VS THE COUNSEL OF MEN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 17:1-29
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 19:21, James 3:17, 1 Corinthians 1:25, Psalm 33:10-11
INTRODUCTION:
2 Samuel 17 unfolds the clash between two kinds of wisdom—human counsel versus divine intervention. Ahithophel, once David's trusted counsellor, aligned himself with Absalom and gave a strategy that would have led to David’s immediate destruction. Yet, through divine orchestration, Absalom rejected his plan and chose the counsel of Hushai, David’s secret informant. God was actively working behind the scenes to preserve His servant.
This chapter reveals that no matter how intelligent or strategic human wisdom may appear, it cannot override the counsel of God. When men gather to plot against the righteous, God intervenes to frustrate their plans and preserve His will. The wisdom of the world, no matter how esteemed, is limited and subject to divine override.
As believers and leaders, we must discern the difference between worldly counsel and divine instruction. God’s wisdom is not always the most popular or logical, but it is always perfect, enduring, and victorious. In seasons of crisis, we must lean not on human strategies, but on God’s higher ways.
1. HUMAN WISDOM CAN BE IMPRESSIVE BUT FLAWED
Ahithophel’s counsel was logical and seemingly sound, yet outside of God’s plan.
a) “Let me choose twelve thousand men and arise and pursue David tonight…” (2 Samuel 17:1)
His advice was swift, decisive, and tactically wise.
b) Ahithophel understood military strategy but lacked spiritual discernment
He saw David only as a political enemy, not as God’s anointed.
c) Counsel that excludes God’s will may look attractive but leads to destruction
Worldly wisdom often prioritises speed and success over righteousness.
d) Decisions made purely on logic, without prayer and godly input, are spiritually dangerous
What seems right to man can lead to ruin if God is not consulted.
Biblical Example: The builders of the Tower of Babel had a great plan, but God disrupted it (Genesis 11:1-9).
2. DIVINE INTERVENTION CAN DISRUPT HUMAN PLANS
God sovereignly caused Absalom to reject Ahithophel’s counsel.
a) “For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel…” (2 Samuel 17:14)
God Himself stepped in to frustrate what seemed like “good” advice.
b) Even the best-laid plans of man can crumble when God chooses to intervene
He is the ultimate strategist.
c) No counsel can stand if God has determined otherwise
The sovereignty of God rules over every decision of kings and princes.
d) Believers must never fear the counsel of enemies when God is their defender
He can overturn meetings, twist tongues, and change minds for your sake.
Biblical Example: Balaam intended to curse Israel, but God turned every curse into a blessing (Numbers 23:11-12).
3. GOD RAISES VOICES OF WISDOM IN STRATEGIC MOMENTS
Hushai’s counsel was divinely timed and accepted by Absalom.
a) “Hushai said… The advice that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time” (2 Samuel 17:7)
His words came with boldness and insight.
b) God positioned Hushai to speak at a critical moment and save David’s life
He used a faithful voice in a corrupt system.
c) When we walk with God, He raises help from unexpected quarters to protect our destiny
You may be outnumbered but never without divine backup.
d) God will always plant a voice of wisdom to counteract every demonic agenda
His people will not be left without direction.
Biblical Example: Mordecai’s counsel to Esther changed the course of history and preserved Israel (Esther 4:13-14).
4. THE WISDOM OF GOD ENSURES TIMELY ESCAPE AND PRESERVATION
David was warned and able to cross the Jordan before Absalom's army could reach him.
a) “You must not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness… cross over quickly” (2 Samuel 17:16)
Timely divine information preserved the remnant.
b) God’s wisdom is not only protective but proactive—it goes ahead to secure your path
He is never late in sending the right word.
c) Obedience to divine instruction ensures supernatural safety
David acted immediately and escaped danger.
d) In times of uncertainty, divine guidance will always outpace enemy intelligence
Those who follow God’s leading stay one step ahead of the enemy.
Biblical Example: Joseph fled with Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt after angelic warning (Matthew 2:13-14).
5. THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY ENDS IN TRAGEDY
Ahithophel, after his counsel was rejected, ended his own life.
a) “When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed… he went home… and hanged himself” (2 Samuel 17:23)
Rejection of his wisdom broke him.
b) Wisdom without humility and spiritual submission is dangerous
He trusted in his own brilliance rather than in God.
c) Those who plot against God's anointed and resist divine authority often self-destruct
His end was shameful and abrupt.
d) Let us remember that success without God is temporary, and counsel against the righteous never lasts
No man can out-plan God.
Biblical Example: Haman built gallows for Mordecai, but he died on them instead (Esther 7:9-10).
CONCLUSION:
2 Samuel 17 is a divine demonstration that God’s wisdom will always prevail over human counsel. Even the sharpest minds and most powerful voices cannot override His sovereign will. While men plot in secrecy, God acts in supremacy. While the enemy speaks through logic, God answers through divine wisdom.
As leaders and believers, we must be sensitive to God's instruction and reject every voice that does not align with His Word. Let your confidence rest not in strategies of man, but in the superior wisdom of the Almighty. The counsel of the Lord shall stand forever.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, grant me divine wisdom that surpasses every human counsel and strategy.
2. Father, frustrate every secret plan and ungodly advice plotted against my life and purpose.
3. Raise for me faithful voices like Hushai who will speak truth in times of crisis.
4. I receive grace to obey divine instructions promptly and completely, even when under pressure.
5. Let every Ahithophel in my life lose their power, and let Your sovereign will prevail over me.
