Am I Looking for the Truth or for Validation?

We all need some validation in our life. When faced with doubt and discouragement, we yearn for affirmation and approval. However, in the search for validation, sometimes we stop looking for the truth. After all, the truth can be a pill that is difficult to swallow.

In 1 Kings 22:1-40, we read about King Jehoshaphat and King Ahab forming a brief alliance to fight against the Syrian army. Before they went into battle, Jehoshaphat wanted to enquire of the Lord whether they would succeed or not. Ahab, on the other hand, did not seem too keen about finding out the truth. While Jehoshaphat was looking for the truth, Ahab was only looking for validation. How can we be more like Jehoshaphat and less like Ahab?

1. Check: Who am I asking for advice?

In 1 Kings 22:5-7, we read that Jehoshaphat wanted to enquire of the Lord. Ahab had 400 “prophets” at his disposal, all of whom encouraged Ahab to go to the battle. They claimed that the Lord would help him win the battle. However, Jehoshaphat evidently did not trust the advice of the 400 prophets, and he wanted to enquire from someone else instead.

When we need important advice, who do we ask? Probably, we will ask our good friends. However, the Bible warns us: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Can we rely on our friends to give us the right advice on certain issues? Everyone may have an opinion, but not everyone’s opinion is valid. Perhaps we should consider consulting someone else who may be better qualified to advise us.

2. Check: Why do I receive negative feedback?

In 1 Kings 22:8, Ahab told Jehoshaphat that he knew another prophet called Micaiah. However, Ahab hated Micaiah, because he did not prophesy good things about him, but evil things. Jehoshaphat begged to differ.

Negative feedback is usually unpalatable. We may resent the person who gave such feedback to us. However, true friends tell us the truth even if it hurts (Proverbs 27:6). It is better to accept our shortcomings than to walk proudly towards the wrong direction (Proverbs 16:18). A proud heart will not accept feedback, but the humble will consider the feedback and grow wiser (Proverbs 13:10; 15:32).

3. Check: What does God have to say?

In 1 Kings 22:14, the prophet Micaiah is finally called in before Jehoshaphat and Ahab. Micaiah declared: “As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” Micaiah would only speak whatever God told him to speak.

We may receive different advice and opinions from various sources. However, are we interested in what God has to say? God’s way is always the best way (Isaiah 55:8-9). God’s Word gives us wisdom and can help us solve many of life’s problems (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). It would be foolish to go against God’s wisdom; instead, we should follow God’s instructions (1 Corinthians 1:25; Proverbs 3:5-6).

4. Check: Did God really say that?

In 1 Kings 22:15-16, Micaiah said to go fight, because God would help them win the battle. This seems to correspond with what the 400 prophets have had to say. However, even the king knew that Micaiah was mocking him. Micaiah’s first words were not really from God.

Some advice may sound right, but it really is not (Proverbs 14:12). False teaching may sound like music to the ears, but it is not the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Hence, we need to differentiate between what is from God is what is from men. We need to double check with the Bible to ensure that the advice is really from God (Acts 17:11).

5. Check: Will I accept whatever God says?

In 1 Kings 22:17-18, Micaiah finally prophesied to Ahab: Israel would be scattered as sheep with no shepherd. This is a prophecy concerning Ahab’s death in the impending battle. Ahab was frustrated to hear Micaiah’s prophecy, and locked him up in the prison (1 Kings 22:27-28). In the end, Ahab was indeed killed in the battle, just as Micaiah had prophesied (1 Kings 22:34-37).

Whether we accept it or not, God’s Word will always be true (Matthew 24:35). Whether we like it or not, God’s way will always be the best way (Proverbs 3:5-6). When God’s Word pricks our hearts, will we respond positively or negatively? (Acts 2:37; 7:54). If we can endure the Lord’s chastening and make the necessary changes in our life, it will lead to personal growth and positive change (Hebrews 12:11-13).

Concluding remarks

Are you looking for the truth, or are you looking for validation? Bad advice may be comforting, but it is not helpful. Although the truth may hurt, it will help us change for the better. Let us be like King Jehoshaphat, to seek out the truth, and to follow God’s way.