PROVERBS 25:5; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33; 1 KINGS 12:1-16
When confronted by the Israelites to reduce their burdens, King Rehoboam sought advice from two groups. The first group were the elders who had served his father, wise King Solomon. The second group was the young men who grew up with him and were now flocking around him. The elders advised him to humble himself and grant the people’s petition. In so doing they would serve him forever. The young men told him to increase the people’s labour, taxes, and assert his control over them.
Unfortunately, he did not accept the counsel of the elders. Instead, Rehoboam took the counsel of the young men. He spoke harshly to the people and increased their labour and burdens.
His actions had terrible repercussions for him and the nation he led.
Our wrong choices due to those we listen to can also lead to disastrous consequences. We should learn from his foolishness by being very careful in our counselor selection. We need to look out for those who will tell us the truth based on what God says in His Word.
