What role does humility play in accepting advice, according to 1 Kings 12:9? Verse Snapshot “So he asked them, ‘What counsel do you give on how we should answer these people who say to me, “Lighten the yoke your father put on us”?’ ” Historical Background • Solomon’s son Rehoboam inherits the throne. • Israel requests lighter taxation and labor burdens. • Rehoboam first seeks advice from the seasoned elders, then from his younger peers. • His choice reveals how humility—or the lack of it—shapes whether advice is accepted. Humility: The Key to Hearing Wisdom • Humility recognizes that I don’t know everything and therefore invites counsel (Proverbs 11:14). • Rehoboam’s initial question sounds teachable, yet true humility would value the elders’ experience rather than merely cataloging opinions. • Pride tunes out voices that contradict personal desire; humility listens even when the counsel challenges comfort (Proverbs 12:15). • A humble heart is open to God’s guidance delivered through His people (James 3:17). Consequences of Rejecting Humble Advice • Rehoboam ignores the elders, choosing the harsher counsel of his peers (1 Kings 12:13–14). • Result: the kingdom splits; ten tribes revolt and form the northern kingdom under Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:19). • The fallout illustrates Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction.” • National division traces back to one leader’s proud refusal to heed wise advice. Cross-References on Humble Receptivity • Proverbs 15:22 — “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Philippians 2:3 — “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • 1 Peter 5:5 — “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” Living It Today • Seek seasoned voices who fear the Lord; don’t limit input to peers who echo personal bias. • Weigh advice by Scripture, not by how well it aligns with existing preferences. • Practice humble listening: avoid interrupting, ask clarifying questions, and pray before responding. • Remember that disregarding godly counsel can ripple out, affecting families, churches, and communities. Takeaway Points • Humility positions the heart to discern and accept wise counsel. • Pride filters advice through self-interest, often at great cost. • 1 Kings 12:9 warns that the willingness—or unwillingness—to listen humbly sets the course for blessing or division. |
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