For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel and bring disaster on Absalom

 2 Samuel 17:1-14

But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.” When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, “Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.”

“So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba—as numerous as the sand on the seashore—be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not so much as a pebble is left.”

Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

Why?

All of the words and what people said are on the way of the Lord, even though they did not know the way of the Lord.

Some words seem reasonable, but it do not work in that time and place.

We have to humble ourselves for many things we know only part of it and not the whole, so we make decisions in limited ways.

How?

Be humble and do our best to honor the Holy Name of the Lord!