Isaiah 47:13
“Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.”
In Isaiah 47:13, Babylon is condemned for its reliance on false sources of guidance.
Known for its astrologers and diviners, Babylon placed its trust in human wisdom and pagan practices. This misplaced dependence led to weariness and, ultimately, destruction. The nation sought advice from a “multitude of counselors”, but their guidance was powerless against the judgment of God. We should take this as warning for us today: seeking advice from the wrong sources leads to confusion and failure.
Proverbs teaches that “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14) and that “without counsel purposes are disappointed” (Proverbs 15:22). These verses emphasize the wisdom of seeking advice from others to ensure stability and success. However, the difference lies not in the quantity of counsel but in the quality. Babylon’s problem was not the number of its counselors but the ungodly nature of their advice.
Good counsel is rooted in truth, aligns with God’s Word, and comes from those who walk with Him.
Bad counsel, no matter how abundant, leads to exhaustion and destruction. This distinction teaches us to be careful about the advice we seek. We must avoid ungodly sources, especially those that contradict Scripture or promote worldly philosophies.
Flattering counsel that tells us only what we want to hear, as well as conflicting voices that create confusion, should be avoided. Instead, we should seek godly counsel from people who live according to biblical principles, possess wisdom and experience, and rely on the Bible and humility to guide their advice.
The story of Babylon reminds us to evaluate the voices we listen to. Who do we turn to for advice? Do we lean on worldly opinions, or do we seek guidance from those who follow God’s Word? Choosing the right counsel leads to clarity, peace, and safety, while ungodly advice brings weariness and failure. As Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Let us commit to seeking counsel that honors God, knowing that true wisdom comes from Him alone.
