2 Samuel 13:3 Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man.NIV
Amnon was infatuated with his half sister, Tamar. He thought of what to do but he couldn't come up with a scheme to get Tamar. He fell sick. Doctors should beware. Not every sick person has infection. Some are sick because they couldn't carry out the evil within them. When Jonadab saw Amnon's countenance, he inquired to know the reason for his ailment. Amnon narrated his feelings. It was Jonadab that taught him what to do. He gave him a wrong counsel. Tamar was raped but years later, Amnon lost his life to the fury of Absalom because of what he did to Tamar. Jonadab's life was spared but Amnon lost his life. The worst happens when bad advisers are spared but the recipient of bad advice are hurt.
Your company determines the kind of counsel you will get. The bible didn't mince words in Proverbs 13:20. It is very clear that if you walk with the wise, you shall be wise but a company of fools shall be destroyed. The counsel of the wise shall make the fool look wise. Heeding the counsel of fools shall make a wise man foolish. I have benefitted from godly counsel a great deal.When I'm confused about certain things or maybe I need someone to share experience with me, I will consult those in my company. So many good things have been ruined because of bad counsel. Homes have broken, careers have been destroyed, churches have splitted, nations have gone to war because of wrong counsel.
Israel splitted into two because Rehoboam went to his own company to seek counsel but they gave him the wrong one. You cannot afford to live your life with the wrong people around you. Your inner circle must comprise of wise men. If you have Jonadab type of friends, their counsel would always lead you to take the wrong step. Some men were counseled to send their wives packing yet the man that gave the counsel has his home intact. Some will counsel you to kill but they can't hold the gun, beware of such people. The fruit that a man's life is producing should tell you whether to company with him or not. Do a value check to determine whether to company with a man or not. Company with wise men that are godly.
Father, severe me from friends like Jonadab in Jesus name.