Rhapsody of Realities 18 May 2026: Spiritual Discernment in Leadership
SCRIPTURE: And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom (2 Samuel 16:23).
Scripture repeatedly warns us about the danger of bad counsel. The Bible reveals this in the story of Ahithophel, a man whose counsel carried such weight that it was regarded as though one had inquired at the oracle of God (2 Samuel 16:23).
He was esteemed, trusted and relied upon, not only by David but later also by Absalom. Yet, despite his reputation, he became a part of an evil conspiracy. When Absalom rebelled against his father, David, the conspiracy gained strength, and the people increased continually with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12). In the midst of that uprising, Ahithophel joined himself to Absalom.
Then the report reached David: “…Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom…” (2 Samuel 15:31). The presence of Ahithophel in Absalom’s camp meant strategic advantage, because his counsel was powerful, persuasive and influential. But David didn’t panic or try to outmanoeuvre Ahithophel by human strategy. He simply prayed, “…O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31).
That prayer reveals a vital truth: no matter how intelligent a counsel appears, if it’s aligned against God’s purpose, it can be defeated. This is why discernment is essential for leaders. Not every voice around leaders is sent to help. Some counsellors present themselves as wise, but their intent is to mislead, divide and destroy.
They push out the good, speak against the righteous, and attempt to plant ideas that weaken what God is building. But they’re not beyond the reach of divine judgment. The Lord can expose them, silence them and turn their wisdom into foolishness.
As Christians, we must understand and take advantage of our authority in Christ to affect nations and their leaders, families and destinies. Therefore, always pray with understanding, that those in authority may be guided by truth, surrounded by righteous counsel, and strengthened to fulfil God’s purpose. Pray that the Spirit of God will continually grant them discernment to identify and prevail over deceptive agendas, and walk in the wisdom of God. Praise God!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom of your Spirit at work in me and in your Church. I pray for leaders in nations and institutions, that they be surrounded with righteous counsel and guided by truth. Every deceptive influence is exposed, and every counsel that opposes your purpose is turned into foolishness. Your wisdom prevails, and your will is established in the earth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
READ OTHER ESOCS DEVOTIONAL HERE
FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 33:10-11
10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect.
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations.
Proverbs 21:30
30 There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the Lord.
2 Samuel 17:23
23 But when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, went home to his city, put his household in order, and hanged himself and died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 8:31-47; 1 Kings 22
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 10:14-21; Proverbs 14
Rhapsody of Realities 18 May 2026
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