Law 10 | Avoid Negative Toxic People
Law 10 of The 48 Laws of Power states, "Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky." This law advises us to avoid associating with people who are constantly negative or bring bad fortune, as their energy and circumstances may bring us down as well.
In the Bible, King Jehoshaphat is a compelling example related to this principle. Jehoshaphat was a righteous king of Judah who generally followed God’s ways. However, he made a poor choice in associating himself with King Ahab of Israel, who was an unrighteous king with a troubled life and reputation.
Jehoshaphat and Ahab: A Costly Alliance
Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with Ahab by arranging a marriage between their children, which was a political move intended to strengthen relations between Judah and Israel. Later, he even agreed to go into battle alongside Ahab. However, Ahab’s reputation and God's disfavor over his reign ultimately had a negative effect on Jehoshaphat.
1. Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3 – "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead."
Commentary: Despite his godliness, Jehoshaphat compromised by joining forces with Ahab, a king known for his idolatry and disregard for God’s commands. This decision put him in a difficult position, where he was swayed into joining a risky battle, aligning himself with Ahab’s troubled fate.
2. A Costly Battle and Warning from God
When Jehoshaphat joined Ahab in battle, things went badly, and he narrowly escaped death. Afterward, God sent a prophet to warn him about the dangers of this alliance.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 19:2 – "And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord."
Commentary: Jehoshaphat was warned about the consequences of aligning himself with Ahab. Though he repented and returned to seeking God’s guidance, the alliance brought complications and judgment that could have been avoided.
3. Lessons from Jehoshaphat’s Example
Jehoshaphat’s story shows the impact of associating closely with those who live in defiance of God’s will. His alliance with Ahab brought unnecessary trouble and put him at odds with God’s blessing, reminding us of the importance of choosing associations wisely.
Jehoshaphat’s story aligns with the principle of Law 10 by illustrating the dangers of forming close connections with those who may lead us into trouble or compromise. In the end, God desires us to surround ourselves with people who seek Him, not those who reject His guidance.
Choosing the Company You Keep – Lessons from Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab
Theme Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 2 Chronicles 19:2
Introduction Parable: The Fisherman’s Net
Imagine a fisherman casting his net into the sea, hoping to catch fish to feed his family. His net, though sturdy, is tangled with debris and broken pieces from his previous catches. Each time he casts it, he picks up not only fish but also rocks, broken shells, and seaweed. Over time, his net becomes so weighed down with these worthless things that it struggles to hold the good fish he catches.
One day, an elder in the village advises him, "If you continue casting a net filled with burdens, you’ll miss the fish you need to thrive. Remove the unnecessary weight, or you’ll lose more than you gain."
The fisherman understands and begins to clear his net of unnecessary weights. With each cast, his catch improves, and he’s able to feed his family and thrive.
In life, our “net” is the relationships we choose to build. Just as the fisherman’s net became weighed down by unnecessary things, our lives can become entangled when we keep close company with those who draw us away from our purpose or lead us into harmful situations. This parable introduces us to the biblical story of Jehoshaphat and Ahab, where Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, became burdened by his alliance with Ahab, an ungodly king. His story teaches us the importance of choosing our associations carefully.
Main Points
1. Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab: A Risky Friendship
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was a godly leader who generally followed God’s commands and brought prosperity to his people. However, he made a significant mistake by forming an alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel. Ahab was known for his idolatry, his promotion of Baal worship, and his defiance of God. Despite their differences, Jehoshaphat joined with Ahab by arranging a marriage between their children, and later, by joining Ahab in battle.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3 – “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.”
Commentary: Jehoshaphat’s decision to align with Ahab, a man of corrupt values, put him on a path of compromise and conflict. While Jehoshaphat was wealthy and honored, his alliance with Ahab reflected a spiritual compromise that invited negative influences into his life. Ahab’s character was widely known, and yet, Jehoshaphat joined forces with him. His choice serves as a reminder that aligning ourselves with those who reject God’s principles can lead us down paths we wouldn’t ordinarily choose. It was a small step for Jehoshaphat to join Ahab at the feast, but it set him up to later join Ahab in a battle that would nearly cost him his life.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Proverbs 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Jehoshaphat’s friendship with Ahab reflects this warning from Proverbs. Though Jehoshaphat was wise, his association with Ahab brought him into foolish situations that jeopardized his life and kingdom. Proverbs cautions us that our companions can greatly influence our direction and well-being. Just as the fisherman had to remove the burdens from his net, we, too, must choose our associations wisely if we want to avoid unnecessary harm.
Through Jehoshaphat’s story, we learn that we must carefully consider who we allow into our inner circle, as their influence can shape our journey and lead us toward or away from God’s plans.
2. The Consequences of Aligning with the Ungodly
When Jehoshaphat agreed to go into battle with Ahab, he placed himself in a dangerous situation. Despite being warned by a prophet that the battle would end in disaster, he continued, trusting Ahab’s advice over God’s warning. In the end, Ahab was killed, and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life. Afterward, God sent a prophet to rebuke him for joining forces with someone who opposed God.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 19:2 – “And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord.”
Commentary: Jehoshaphat’s alliance nearly cost him everything, and God’s rebuke was a reminder of the dangers of aligning ourselves with those who reject His ways. The prophet’s question, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly?” reveals that God desires His people to seek out relationships that honor Him. Jehoshaphat’s story shows that God cares deeply about our associations because they shape our decisions and impact our faith. His partnership with Ahab is a vivid example of how even good intentions can be derailed by poor alliances. God was calling Jehoshaphat to return to a path of integrity and obedience.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1 praises the one who avoids the counsel of the wicked. Jehoshaphat would have benefited from heeding this wisdom. The company we keep can influence the course of our lives and our walk with God. Just as the fisherman needed to clear his net, Jehoshaphat needed to free himself from the burdens of ungodly alliances to fulfill his purpose fully.
Jehoshaphat’s alliance brought unwanted consequences, reminding us that associating with those who disregard God can impact not only our own lives but also the lives of those we lead and influence.
3. Seeking God’s Wisdom in Our Relationships
Jehoshaphat’s story ultimately leads us to reflect on the value of seeking God’s wisdom in choosing our friends and partners. God’s rebuke caused Jehoshaphat to turn back to Him, learning from his mistakes and returning to a path of obedience. Though Jehoshaphat stumbled, he repented and sought God’s guidance, using his experience to strengthen his reliance on God.
Scripture: James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Commentary: This passage in James encourages us to seek God’s wisdom, especially in decisions that affect our relationships and partnerships. Jehoshaphat’s story is a reminder that we should bring our relationships before God, asking for His wisdom in choosing companions who will encourage and strengthen our faith. God’s wisdom can protect us from the pain of poor alliances and guide us toward relationships that honor Him. By turning to God in times of uncertainty, we can avoid the dangers that Jehoshaphat faced and instead live lives that reflect His love and guidance.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Jehoshaphat leaned on his own understanding by aligning with Ahab, instead of acknowledging God’s will. Proverbs reminds us that when we rely on God’s direction, He will guide us to make choices that align with His purpose for our lives. Just as the fisherman in the parable needed to trust the wisdom of the elder, we, too, must trust in God’s guidance to make wise choices in our relationships.
Jehoshaphat’s eventual repentance and return to God serve as an example for us to seek God’s wisdom and avoid relationships that can lead us astray.
Conclusion: Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Wise Relationships
While Jehoshaphat’s story teaches us the importance of choosing our companions wisely, Jesus Christ provides the ultimate example of relationships rooted in love and godliness. Jesus chose His disciples carefully, spending time with those who were willing to grow and learn from Him. He loved sinners, but He didn’t partner with those who rejected God’s purpose. Instead, He sought out those who were open to change and transformation.
Scripture: John 15:15 – “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
Commentary: Jesus’ relationships were intentional. He invested in people who would carry forward His message, showing us that godly companionship is about nurturing relationships that lead us closer to God. Jesus taught His disciples, shared His life with them, and poured into them spiritually, creating a lasting bond that glorified God. His choice of friends reflected His mission, and He calls us to do the same.
Just as the fisherman learned to clear his net of burdens, Jesus encourages us to fill our lives with relationships that inspire us, strengthen us, and keep us close to God. May we choose wisely and, like Christ, build relationships that bring glory to God.
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