“Well,” Jonadab said, “I’ll tell you what to do. Go back to bed and pretend you are ill. When your father comes to see you, ask him to let Tamar come and prepare some food for you. Tell him you’ll feel better if she prepares it as you watch and feeds you with her own hands”

Text: 2 Samuel 13:1–5, 32–35.

here four types of people you meet. Those who add to you, multiply, subtract or divide you.In life, relationships shape destinies. The people we associate with either help us fulfill God's purpose or push us into destruction. One of the most dangerous types of people in life is a “Jonadab”—someone close, familiar, seemingly wise, but inwardly toxic, deceitful, and destructive. The Bible warns us by showcasing the tragedy that unfolded due to Jonadab’s wicked counsel.

The brief story was told. Amnon, the first son of King David, fell desperately in lust with his half-sister, Tamar. Instead of seeking godly counsel or mastering his sinful desire, he confided in his cousin Jonadab, who was described as “very crafty” (2 Samuel 13:3). Jonadab devised a wicked plan: he told Amnon to pretend to be sick and request Tamar to serve him food. This plan led to Amnon raping Tamar, shaming her and bringing disgrace to the royal family.

Afterward, Amnon hated Tamar more than he had loved her and threw her out. Tamar lived desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. Absalom waited two years and then killed Amnon in revenge. This tragedy caused grief, pain, and division in David’s family—all because of one evil counselor: Jonadab.

What the Holy Spirit taught me this morning,five reasons to beware of Jonadab:

1. Jonadab is Deceitful and Manipulative

He gives advice not rooted in righteousness but in craftiness (2 Samuel 13:3–5). He appeared concerned but had no fear of God or sense of consequence.Not every adviser is sent by God; some are used by Satan to derail destinies and ultimately eliminate the victim.

2. Jonadab Encourages Sin, Not Righteousness

He didn't tell Amnon to flee lust but to indulge in it. He was an enabler of sin rather than a deterrent. When someone is encouraging you to do the wrong thing, commit crime, rape, embezzle public fund, do 419 and the likes -run! When you give your room or house to a friend to commit fornication or adultery or any crime you are a Jonadab. Anyone encouraging you to leave your spouse for flimsy excuses is a Jonadab. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

3. Jonadab Did Not Share in the Consequences

After Amnon’s death, Jonadab continued unscathed, offering updates to King David, as if he had no role in the matter (2 Samuel 13:32–35).Those who push you into sin often won’t stand with you in the consequences.

4. Jonadab’s Counsel Brought Death and Division

His advice didn’t just affect Amnon and Tamar; it led to Absalom’s vengeance and rebellion, eventually affecting the entire nation.

One wrong voice can destroy a family, a church, or a nation and even generation yet unborn.

5. Jonadab Represents Satan’s Strategy

Just like the serpent in Eden, Jonadab used subtlety and suggestion to orchestrate sin. His name may not be in your life, but his spirit works through toxic friendships, ungodly media, and wicked counsel.

Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

How to Guard Against the Jonadab Spirit:

Pray for discernment in your relationships.

Seek godly counsel from spiritual mentors.

Avoid friendships that trivialize sin or mock holiness.Study God’s Word to recognize evil advice.Flee temptation—do not entertain it or seek advice that justifies it. Be led by the Holy Spirit. Be prayerful . Always go to church and practice the Word of God.

Conclusion:Many destinies have been shattered by wrong counsel. Amnon had everything as the king’s first son but lost it all because he listened to Jonadab. Today, ask yourself: Who is speaking into your life?

Beware of Jonadab. Choose your counsel carefully. Protect your destiny. I pray for you that God will deliver you from the snare of Jonadab in Jesus name . You will not listen to Jonadab, you will not take his advice you will not die a premature death you will not go to hell in Jesus name .

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at [email protected]