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Ezekiel 11:2 (BSB)
And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city.” — Ezekiel 11:2
In this moment, you can almost hear the heaviness in the air as a figure, referred to as 'Son of man,' is being told about people in the city. These are not just any people; they are schemers, coming up with plans that are harmful and deceitful. It's like someone pointing out a group of bullies huddled together, whispering about how to cause trouble. There’s a sense of urgency here, as if you’re being warned about danger lurking nearby. It’s a call to pay attention to those who seem to have the power to lead others astray, and it feels deeply personal.
This book was written by Ezekiel, a prophet who had a unique perspective as both a priest and a captive in Babylon. He witnessed the fall of Jerusalem and had a front-row seat to the consequences of people's choices. By including this detail about the wicked counsel, Ezekiel is shedding light on how crucial it is to recognize harmful influences. He wants you to understand that these aren't just ancient issues; they resonate with the struggles communities face, even today.
When Ezekiel wrote this, the Israelites were in exile, feeling lost and disconnected from their homeland. It was a time of despair, filled with uncertainty about the future. The culture was filled with fear and confusion, making it easy for negative influences to take hold. This situation adds weight to the warning in this verse, highlighting the importance of being aware of who you listen to and follow, especially in tough times. It’s like being in a storm and needing to find a safe harbor—who you trust matters.
This verse speaks directly to you because it reminds us that not all advice is good advice. In a world filled with noise and opinions, it’s crucial to be discerning about the voices you let influence your decisions. Think about it: how often do you encounter people or media promoting negativity or harmful ideas? This verse challenges you to seek out wisdom and surround yourself with positive influences, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. It's a call to be proactive in choosing who you listen to and what you allow into your heart and mind.
To live out this verse, start by evaluating the voices you listen to in your daily life. Are they uplifting or do they lead you into negativity? Take a day to notice the influences around you—friends, social media, news sources. Then, make a conscious effort to seek out voices that promote positivity and wisdom. Maybe that means unfollowing negative accounts or spending time with people who inspire you. You could also journal about your thoughts after consuming content to see how it affects your mood and mindset—this can help you spot bad influences more easily.
This verse is part of a larger scene where the city is in turmoil, filled with corruption and betrayal. Before this moment, God shows the speaker a vision of the city, revealing the deep-seated issues that plague it. The people being described are leaders or influential figures who are not just causing problems individually but are giving advice that spreads darkness throughout the community. Right after this, there’s a shift where God brings a message of hope and restoration, contrasting the wickedness with a promise of change. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the reality of the struggle between good and evil.
What are some ways you can identify and distance yourself from negative influences in your life, just like the people being warned about in this verse?
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