While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.

Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David prayed, “Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?

The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him.

Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons.

Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s confidant.

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

He also followed their counsel when he went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to wage war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth Gilead. The Arameans wounded Joram;

While he was still speaking, the king said to him, “Have we appointed you an adviser to the king? Stop! Why be struck down?” So the prophet stopped but said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”

Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.

“People listened to me expectantly, waiting in silence for my counsel.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,

the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings”?

You say you have counsel and might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me?