Deceived

Jehoshaphat had been a good king in Judah who had sought God and “took great pride in the ways of the Lord.” He experienced His blessings. He “had great riches and honor” and “grew greater and greater” (2 Chronicles 17:4, 6, 12).

During this time, the neighboring country of Israel was being ruled by Ahab, one of its most ungodly kings. Perhaps concerned about security, Jehoshaphat “allied himself by marriage with Ahab.”

Then, Jehoshaphat allowed himself to be influenced by Ahab. Ahab “incited” and misled him. Jehoshaphat became vulnerable to clever words as Ahab convinced him to do what he wanted.

The Bible warns that this kind of deception is common in the world. We can be deceived by “smooth and flattering speech” (Romans 16:18) and by enticing promises and “empty words” (Ephesians 5:6). We even can deceive ourselves (1 Corinthians 3:18).

We need to be on guard against all these forms of deception and the pressure to conform to the ways of the world. We shouldn’t allow others to shape our actions, attitudes, and beliefs to reflect their goals.

Instead, we need to stay true to God’s Word. Be filled with His Spirit, sensitive to His leading. Commit our ways to Him, and let Him direct and guide us. When we have any questions or doubts, we need to seek Him.