“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, “You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.”’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” — Genesis 3:1–5 (NIV)

From the very beginning, we learn a vital lesson from Adam and Eve’s story: not every advice is good advice. The serpent appeared wise, convincing, and even spiritual. His words sounded reasonable and harmless—but they led to destruction, shame, and separation from God.

In life, we meet people who may sound like they want the best for us, but not every voice comes from God. Some people’s “advice” is designed to pull us off course, plant doubt in our hearts, or push us into decisions that lead to pain.

Eve listened to the serpent because what he said sounded right. He appealed to her curiosity, her desire for knowledge, and her longing for more. But the serpent’s advice went directly against God’s instruction.

This teaches us something powerful: if an advice contradicts God’s Word, it’s not from God. No matter how logical, kind, or persuasive it sounds, it will not bring peace—it will bring regret.

In this age of opinions, everyone has something to say. Social media, friends, coworkers, even family members—all have advice. But wisdom comes from knowing which voice aligns with God’s Word.

Before taking any major step—especially in relationships, business, or spiritual matters—pause and ask:

  • Does this advice draw me closer to God or farther from Him?
  • Does it agree with Scripture?
  • Does it bring peace to my spirit?

In 1 Kings 12:6-16, King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, faced a decision. The people asked him to lighten the burden his father had placed on them. He first sought advice from the elders, who told him to serve the people with kindness. Then he asked his young friends, who told him to increase the people’s burdens. Rehoboam followed his friends’ harsh advice—and it led to the division of the entire kingdom.

Just like Eve, he listened to the wrong voice. His decision, based on bad advice, brought destruction.

Not everyone who speaks into your life is sent by God. Pray for discernment. Surround yourself with godly counsel—people who encourage obedience to God, not rebellion against Him. The right advice will always lead you toward peace, growth, and righteousness.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that not every advice is worthy of acceptance. Give me the spirit of discernment to recognize voices that lead me away from You. Surround me with godly counselors who speak truth and wisdom. Help me to trust Your Word above all else, and let my steps always be guided by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.