Bad mentors in the Bible

Bad Mentors in the Bible: Lessons in Discerning Godly Guidance

        In every season of life, mentorship plays a powerful role. A mentor can shape your decisions, character, and destiny—for better or worse. While the Bible celebrates godly mentors like Moses to Joshua or Paul to Timothy, it also warns us about bad mentors—those whose influence led others into sin, destruction, or rebellion against God.

        The stories of bad mentors in Scripture are cautionary tales, reminding us to be vigilant about who we allow to speak into our lives. Whether a friend, leader, teacher, or advisor, a mentor should lead us closer to God, not away from Him.

        In this teaching, we will be learning some of the most striking examples of bad mentors in the Bible, what made them dangerous, and how we can apply these lessons today.

1. Jonadab – A Friend with Wicked Counsel

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:3-5

        Amnon, son of King David, lusted after his sister Tamar. Instead of correcting him, Jonadab, his cousin, devised a deceitful plan to help him satisfy his lust.

Result: Amnon raped Tamar, causing trauma and disgrace. Absalom, Tamar’s brother, later killed Amnon in revenge, initiating a family crisis.

Lesson: Jonadab’s advice led to moral disaster. He had no regard for God’s law or the emotional and spiritual damage of sin.

Modern Insight: Not everyone who listens to your problems offers godly solutions. Be cautious of those who counsel you to act against righteousness or scripture.

2. Jeroboam – A Leader Who Led Israel into Sin

1 Kings 12:26-30

        After the kingdom split, Jeroboam became king of the northern tribes. Fearing the people would return to David’s line if they worshiped in Jerusalem, he created golden calves and established alternate worship centers.

Result: He introduced idolatry that affected generations. God eventually judged his lineage harshly.

Lesson: Jeroboam mentored a nation into idolatry for political gain.

Modern Insight: Leaders who prioritize their own status over God’s truth can be toxic. Beware of mentors who encourage compromise under the guise of practicality.

3. Ahithophel – Brilliant but Bitter

2 Samuel 15:31; 17:1-23

       Ahithophel was a wise counselor to David. But when Absalom rebelled, he joined the conspiracy and gave advice aimed at killing David.

Result: When his advice was rejected, Ahithophel committed suicide.

Lesson: Even gifted mentors can go astray if their hearts are embittered.

Modern Insight: Wisdom without character is dangerous. A mentor’s brilliance does not make them trustworthy if their motives are impure.

4. The Serpent – The First Deceptive Guide

Genesis 3:1-6

        Satan, in the form of a serpent, influenced Eve by twisting God’s word and appealing to her desires.

Result: Eve and Adam disobeyed God, bringing sin and death into the world.

Lesson: The serpent’s mentorship was rooted in deception, not truth.

Modern Insight: Some influences may sound appealing or "enlightening" but are spiritually deadly. Always weigh counsel against Scripture.

5. Rehoboam’s Young Advisors – Immature and Arrogant

1 Kings 12:8-15

        When Rehoboam became king, he asked for advice on ruling the people. The elders advised leniency, but his young friends encouraged him to be harsh and domineering.

Result: The people rebelled, and the kingdom was divided.

Lesson: Bad mentors often lack the wisdom that comes with experience and humility.

Modern Insight: Surrounding yourself with "yes men" who flatter your pride can lead to disaster. Seek mentors who speak the truth in love.

6. Ananias and Sapphira – A Toxic Spiritual Agreement

Acts 5:1-10

        This couple agreed to lie about the amount they gave to the church. Though partners in marriage, their partnership in deception cost them their lives.

Result: God struck both of them dead as a warning to the early church.

Lesson: Agreement in sin—even among close companions—can bring God’s judgment.

Modern Insight: A mentor or partner who supports dishonest behavior is not a blessing but a liability.

7. Balaam – A Prophet for Profit

Numbers 22–24; Revelation 2:14

        Though Balaam initially refused to curse Israel, he later advised King Balak on how to make Israel fall—by enticing them into idolatry and immorality.

Result: His teaching led to a plague and the death of thousands of Israelites.

Lesson: Balaam’s actions show how spiritual gifts can be misused for selfish gain.

Modern Insight: Beware of mentors who mix truth with compromise, especially for material reward.

How to Identify a Bad Mentor

1. Contradicts Scripture – If their guidance doesn't align with the Bible, reject it (Isaiah 8:20).

2. Promotes Sin or Compromise – Encouraging what God forbids is a red flag.

3. Seeks Personal Gain – Manipulating others for power, praise, or money is a sign of corruption.

4. Rejects Correction – A mentor who cannot be corrected or questioned is dangerous (Proverbs 12:15).

5. Lacks a Godly Track Record – Look at their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).

How to Choose a Godly Mentor

● Spirit-Filled – Their life reflects the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

● Rooted in the Word – Their counsel is biblically sound.

● Humble and Teachable – They remain under God’s authority and correction.

● Accountable – They live transparently, not in isolation.

● Encouraging Growth – They challenge and support you to grow in your walk with God.

       It will be best if you:

1. Pray for Discernment – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you test every spirit (1 John 4:1).

2. Study Scripture Regularly – The more you know God’s word, the easier it is to spot errors.

3. Be Accountable – Have multiple godly voices in your life for balance.

4. Don’t Ignore Red Flags – If a mentor's influence leads to confusion, fear, or sin, seek counsel elsewhere.

5. Be a Godly Mentor Yourself – Live a life worthy of imitation (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Prayer Points

1. Lord, give me the wisdom to choose mentors who walk in Your truth. Proverbs 13:20 – "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

2. Deliver me from ungodly influences that lead me away from You. Psalm 1:1 – "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…"

3. Help me to be a mentor who honors You and leads others to righteousness. Titus 2:7 – "In everything set them an example by doing what is good."

4. Expose any hidden counsel in my life that is not from You. 2 Corinthians 11:14 – "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

        Mentorship is powerful, but it must be handled with spiritual discernment. Just as good mentors can accelerate our walk with God, bad mentors can derail it. The Bible gives us clear warnings about ungodly influence so that we may guard our hearts and stay the course.

        Let the Holy Spirit guide your relationships, and remember: The best mentor is ultimately Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, who leads us into all truth.