In his days Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates. King Josiah went to meet him, and Pharaoh Neco killed him at Megiddo, as soon as he saw him. (2 Kings 23:29)

It wasn’t his battle. I don’t know if Josiah had some personal beef with Neco or if he was friends with the king of Assyria or what. But this much is clear, it wasn’t his battle.

But he [Pharaoh Neco] sent envoys to him [King Josiah], saying, “What have we to do with each other, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. And God has commanded me to hurry. Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you.” (2 Chronicles 35:21)

Our pride and emotions can deafen us to the wisdom of God and blind us to the consequences of our choices. Our friends aren’t always right, and our enemies aren’t always wrong. Kneejerk reactions out of loyalty or loathing can leave us on the wrong side of truth, whether riding a chariot into battle or posting on social media.

Get the facts as best you can and seek wisdom from God through Scripture and prayer before you ride into battle.

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13)