God and His man Samuel knew a king for Israel was a bad idea. And yet both God and Samuel were willing to work with them. Can we turn aside from empty thing that cannot profit or deliver?

1 Samuel 12:19-25

And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we

may not die, for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask for ourselves a king.”

And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.

For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”

Bible Gateway link (ESV)