Life is incredibly loud, isn't it? Every single day, we are bombarded by voices telling us how to think, how to spend our money, and how to raise our families. In my years of ministry, I, Austin Gardner, have seen how these voices act like a rudder on a ship. They might seem small at first, but they eventually determine exactly where your life ends up. If you want to experience true faith-based development and find satisfaction in Jesus, you have to get honest about who has your ear.



The Bible gives us a chilling example of what happens when the wrong person does the whispering. It’s the story of a young king named Ahaziah. He had everything going for him: a kingdom, a legacy, and a position of leadership. However, he also had a counselor who led him straight into a brick wall.

The Mother Who Counseled Wickedness

When we think of a mother’s influence, we usually think of something nurturing and holy. But the story of Ahaziah takes a dark turn.

2 Chronicles 22:3 “He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly.”

Imagine that for a moment. His own mother, the person who should have been pointing him toward the goodness of God, was the very one whispering "do wickedly" in his ear. Consequently, Ahaziah didn’t just make a few mistakes; he walked in the ways of the most wicked king God’s people ever knew.

Parents have a tremendous influence on what their children do. It isn't just about the lectures we give or the Sunday School lessons we drive them to. Our children are experts at reading the "counsel" of our examples. If we say we love God but live like the world, they will hear the counsel of our actions much louder than the counsel of our words.

The Legacy of Destruction

The tragedy didn't stop with his mother. After his father died, Ahaziah kept the same inner circle. These people didn't care about his soul or his success as a leader; they were interested in maintaining the status quo of the house of Ahab.

2 Chronicles 22:4 “Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.”

Notice that specific word: destruction. Their advice didn't just lead to a bad policy or a temporary setback. It led to the undoing of his work and the complete collapse of his legacy. When we listen to the wrong people, we aren't just risking a bad afternoon. We are risking the very things God has called us to build.

In my own life, navigating things like Stage 4 cancer and the trials of the ministry, I’ve realized that I cannot afford "trash" in my ears. When you are in a fight for your life, spiritually or physically, you need voices that speak grace, truth, and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Question One: Who Are Your Counselors?

This brings me to the first big question I have to ask myself and you: Who are your counselors?

Specifically, who do you listen to when the chips are down? Where do you go to make decisions?

Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

If you are filling your mind with the "wisdom" of a world that ignores God, don't be surprised when your life feels chaotic. Alternatively, when we seek godly counsel, we align ourselves with a plan that cannot be shaken.

Psalm 33:11 “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

Wrong counsel leads to a demise. We see this warning throughout the Psalms. People often fall by their own counsels because they refuse to look upward.

Psalm 5:10 “Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.”

Do you spend time in prayer and the Word before making a move? Or do you run to social media, or to friends who will just tell you what you want to hear? Seeking God is not a religious chore; it is the path to peace. You can find more about this journey toward resting in Him in The Big Leap of Faith.

The Danger of Ignoring God’s Voice

Many people today struggle because they have ignored the counsel of the Most High. They try to figure out life on their own terms, but the result is always the same: exhaustion and emptiness.

Psalm 107:11 “Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High.”

When we "contemn" or despise God's counsel, we are essentially saying we know better than the Creator of the universe. That is a dangerous place to be. We need to run to the nearest place to find God’s will and obey Him. This isn't about legalism or trying to earn God's favor. Instead, it's about recognizing that His ways are actually better for us.

Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Question Two: What Type of Counsel Are You Giving?

The second question is just as vital: What type of counsel are you giving to those who listen to you?

Specifically, I’m talking about your children, your grandkids, and the people you mentor. Ahaziah’s mother counseled him to do wrong, and he suffered the consequences.

I wonder what your children are learning from you today. They learn from what you say, but they learn significantly more from what you do. If they followed your example, would they love the Bible? Would they value a quiet time with God?

Do you challenge and motivate them to seek God’s will for their life? Or are you subtly counseling them to prioritize money, status, and comfort over the call of God? We are all being counseled and counseling others. Every interaction is an opportunity to point someone toward the grace of Jesus.

Leading From a Place of Grace

I want to be clear: this isn't about putting more pressure on you to be "perfect." If you’ve given bad advice in the past, or if you’ve listened to the wrong voices, there is mercy for you right now. As I often say, "Rest doesn't come after you fix yourself. Rest comes first."

When we understand that we are loved unconditionally by the Father, our desire to seek His counsel changes. We no longer seek His will because we are afraid of being punished; we seek it because we trust His heart. He is a good Father. His counsel isn't meant to restrict us; it’s meant to protect us and give us a life of abundance.

Proverbs 19:21 “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Choose Wisely Today

These are difficult days. Counsel abounds everywhere you look. But does that counsel please God? If the voices in your life are leading you away from peace, away from your spouse, or away from the Word of God, it’s time to change who you’re listening to.

Today, let’s examine ourselves. Are we pleasing God? Are we doing right? Let's choose to be the kind of people whose counsel leads to life and whose lives are guided by the steady, loving hand of our Savior. You are not behind, and you are not being graded. You are simply being invited into a better way of living.

 “The Christian life was never meant to be powered by fear, pressure, or performance. It was meant to be lived from being loved first.”

Take heart. God’s mercy is after you right now, ready to bring real grace and honest hope into your decision-making. Trust His counsel. It’s the only one that stands forever.

FAQ: Understanding Godly Counsel

How do I know if the advice I’m getting is truly godly?

Godly counsel will always align with the Word of God and the character of Jesus. If the advice encourages pride, bitterness, or walking away from your biblical responsibilities, it is not from God. Look for counsel that promotes peace, holiness, and a deeper trust in the finished work of Christ.

What should I do if I’ve already followed bad counsel?

The beauty of the Gospel is that God is the Master of restoration. Stop following the wrong path today, confess it to the Lord, and rest in His forgiveness. He can take the "destruction" caused by bad choices and build something beautiful out of the ruins.

How can I become a better counselor for my children?

The best way to counsel your children is to let them see you depending on God. Let them see you reading your Bible, hear you praying, and watch you respond to trials with faith rather than fear. Your life is the most powerful sermon they will ever hear.

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