Guidance, results of

Wise counsel, advice and direction from God or his servants, if carefully followed, will enrich and benefit those to whom it is given.

Guidance resulting in military victory

2 Samuel 5:17–20 parallel 1 Chronicles 14:8–11 See also Joshua 6:1–21, Joshua 8:1–22; Judges 6:33–7:25; 2 Samuel 5:22–25 parallel 1 Chronicles 14:13–16

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.

Guidance resulting in safety

Matthew 2:1–23

Guidance resulting in personal benefit

2 Samuel 2:1–4 See also Genesis 24:10–27, Genesis 41:1–49; 2 Kings 5:1–14

Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

Guidance resulting in the appointment of leaders

Acts 13:1–3 See also 1 Kings 19:15–21; Luke 6:12–16; Acts 1:15–26

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen ( who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch ), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Guidance inspiring confidence

Acts 23:11 See also Genesis 46:1–7; Acts 18:9–11

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Guidance resulting in spiritual growth

Proverbs 9:9 See also Exodus 16:1–30; 1 Kings 19:3–18; Acts 9:1–19

Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

Guidance eliciting praise and worship

Daniel 2:19–23 See also Exodus 14:15–15:21; 2 Samuel 7:1–29; Psalm 73:23–28

During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have made known to me what we have requested, for You have made known to us the dream of the king.”

Guidance leading to obedience

Genesis 12:1–5 See also Genesis 6:9–22; Judges 6:11–27

Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,

Guidance disregarded

Matthew 19:16–22 parallels Mark 10:17–22, Luke 18:18–23 See also Genesis 3:1–6; 1 Kings 22:1–38

Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. Jesus answered, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.