Reflection on Psalm 1:1 — The Power and Danger of Counsel
The Bible emphatically declares in the Psalms that “the word of the Lord is pure, tried in the furnace of the earth seven times.” This purity underscores the divine perfection and reliability of God’s word. Psalm 1, in particular, invites us into deep reflection even before delving into the rest of the book of Psalms. It lays a foundation for understanding the blessed life—one rooted in godly principles and choices.
The first verse reads:
“Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.”
This verse gives a clear instruction with a sure promise: if you avoid ungodly influences, you will be blessed. But if you ignore this instruction, you will—figuratively speaking—be “gathering firewood filled with ants,” inviting unnecessary trouble and loss.
Understanding Counsel
The dictionary defines counsel as advice or guidance given to someone to help them resolve a problem or make a decision.
Biblically, counsel carries a deeper meaning.
- Isaiah 25:1 describes it as “faithfulness and truth.” Godly counsel is therefore advice rooted in integrity, truth, and divine guidance.
- Proverbs 15:22 teaches that “without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” In other words, godly counsel brings clarity and fulfilment of purpose.
- Proverbs 19:20 says, “Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” This means that wise counsel safeguards your future and leads to fulfilment.
- Proverbs 24:6 adds, “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Indeed, godly counsel provides direction, protection, and success.
Even David had a counsellor—Ahithophel—whose advice was so sound that Scripture says it was “as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God.” (2 Samuel 16:23). Godly counsel provides divine direction and helps one avoid pitfalls and regrets. It flows from wisdom born of spiritual insight, as James 3:17 reminds us:
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
Such counsel bears good fruit, is merciful, sincere, and leads to peace.
Examples of Godly Counsel
In Exodus 18, Moses received wise counsel from his father-in-law Jethro. Jethro advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men so he wouldn’t wear himself out. This counsel redirected Moses toward efficiency and longevity in ministry.
Godly counsel aligns with God’s will and reveals divine solutions to human problems. As Job 14:1 notes, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble,” but godly counsel confronts and overcomes those troubles.
Understanding Ungodly Counsel
Ungodly counsel, by contrast, leads to destruction. It is the product of a subtle, crafty mind—the kind associated with the devil, who supervises its application. It is deceitful, appealing, and usually aligns with the desires of a person’s carnal heart.
1. David and the Men of Belial (1 Samuel 30:19–20)
When David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, some wicked men—called “men of Belial”—advised that those who stayed behind should not share in the spoils. That was ungodly counsel, but David rejected it and followed godly wisdom, ensuring fairness for all.
2. Eve and the Serpent (Genesis 3:6)
The first ungodly counsel appeared in Eden. The serpent subtly appealed to Eve’s desire by questioning God’s word. The counsel aligned with her inner curiosity and desire for wisdom, leading her into disobedience and downfall. Subtle desires often attract subtle, destructive counsel.
3. Amnon and Jonadab (2 Samuel 13)
Amnon lusted after his half-sister Tamar until he became sick. His cousin Jonadab—described as “a very subtle man”—gave him wicked advice to pretend illness and lure Tamar into his chamber. Amnon followed this ungodly counsel, defiled Tamar, and was eventually killed by Absalom’s men. Ungodly counsel often offers quick, sinful solutions that end in death.
4. Presumptuous and Enticing Counsel
Deuteronomy 18:22 warns against prophets who speak presumptuously in God’s name. Likewise, in 2 Chronicles 18, Ahab’s prophets gave him enticing but false counsel, promising victory in battle when destruction awaited him. A lying spirit deceived them, and Ahab died as a result.
In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet disobeyed God’s direct instruction because he believed the word of an older prophet who claimed to have heard from an angel. That disobedience cost him his life. Ungodly counsel may come from seemingly spiritual sources but will always contradict God’s word.
Modern Examples of Ungodly Counsel
Ungodly counsel still destroys lives today.
- A young Christian woman once yielded to parental pressure to compromise her purity in order to secure a job. The act led to pregnancy and a fatal abortion.
- Another young girl, counselled by a deceitful woman that sexual activity would enhance her body’s development, followed the advice and also died from the consequences.
Ungodly counsel appears attractive, logical, or helpful, but its end is ruin.
Saul’s Disobedience
King Saul fell into ungodly counsel when he disobeyed God’s instruction in favour of his men’s advice. This rebellion led to his rejection as king and ultimately his death. Job aptly describes such advisers as “miserable counsellors.”
The Consequences of Ungodly Counsel
Ungodly counsel:
- Leads to confusion and defeat (Psalm 94:20)
- Opens the door for wickedness
- Draws you away from God
- Delays destiny and kills purpose
- Appears good outwardly but is deceptive inside
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, rejected the counsel of the elders and followed the reckless advice of his peers. This single act caused the division of Israel and the loss of ten tribes (1 Kings 12).
Ungodly counsel is the path of failure, sorrow, and death.
Choosing the Right Counsel
Every counsel must be tested against God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 18:18 reminds us:
“I will raise them up a Prophet like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”
Therefore, ask yourself:
- Which counsel do I follow?
- Does it align with God’s Word?
Ungodly counsel flows from those who deny God’s authority—fools, humanists, philosophers, spiritists, sorcerers, and idolaters. But godly counsel leads to peace, prosperity, and eternal life.
Conclusion
Psalm 1:1 calls every believer to a life of discernment. True blessing begins by rejecting ungodly counsel and embracing godly wisdom. The one who heeds divine counsel shall flourish “like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” bringing forth fruit in due season.
Prayer
Godly counsel replace every ungodly counsel in my heart in Jesus name.
