How can we apply the importance of listening to wise advice in our lives? Rehoboam’s Crisis Moment – 1 Kings 12:18 “Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam himself mounted his chariot in haste to flee to Jerusalem.” What Happened? • Rehoboam ignored the seasoned counsel of the elders (vv. 6–7) and followed the harsher advice of his peers (vv. 8–11). • The result: national division, bloodshed, and his own panicked retreat. • One verse captures the fallout: a trusted official lies dead, and the king runs for his life. The cost of rejecting sound advice is immediate and tangible. Why Listening to Wise Advice Matters • Scripture insists that blessing is tied to heeding counsel: – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” (Proverbs 19:20) • Wisdom protects us from avoidable pain (Proverbs 13:20). • It aligns us with God’s ordained structures of authority and instruction (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 6:1). • Ignoring wisdom invites chaos—seen vividly in Rehoboam’s shattered kingdom. Practical Ways to Seek and Heed Wisdom Today • Cultivate a circle of proven advisers: – Mature believers, pastors, parents, mentors with observable fruit of righteousness. • Test counsel against Scripture: – Scripture never contradicts itself; godly advice will harmonize with the Word. • Pray for discernment: – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) • Act promptly on confirmed wisdom: – Delayed obedience often morphs into disobedience. • Review outcomes with humility: – Evaluate: Did following this counsel lead to peace, growth, and fruit? Adjust accordingly. Guardrails Against Foolish Counsel • Beware advice that appeals to pride or impatience (Proverbs 16:18). • Avoid echo chambers of peers who lack experience (Proverbs 14:7). • Steer clear of counsel that diminishes the weight of sin or minimizes consequences (Isaiah 5:20). • Limit voices that thrive on cynicism or rebellion (Psalm 1:1). Promises for Those Who Listen • Stability: “Whoever listens to me will dwell securely, free from the fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33) • Guidance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8) • Fruitfulness: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD… whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:2–3) Personal Commitment Challenge Identify one area—family, work, finances, relationships—where you sense the need for guidance. This week, deliberately seek out a seasoned believer, compare their counsel with Scripture, and act on it. Let Rehoboam’s hurried escape remind us that ignoring wise advice costs more than we can afford; embracing it positions us for God’s best. |
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