In what ways can we seek God's wisdom to avoid harshness like Rehoboam's? Rehoboam’s Harsh Response “ And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions.” (1 Kings 12:11) Rehoboam chose severity over mercy, rejecting seasoned counsel and triggering division in Israel. His example warns against instinctive toughness that ignores God-given wisdom. Roots of Harshness - Ignoring the counsel of the wise (1 Kings 12:6–8) - Pride that resists humility (Proverbs 16:18) - Insecurity that grasps for control (Ecclesiastes 4:4) - Listening to peers who applaud aggression (1 Corinthians 15:33) - Neglecting prayerful dependence on the Lord (Psalm 10:4) God’s Path to Wisdom Instead of Harshness - Ask for it directly: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) - Trust rather than lean on self: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) - Receive the Spirit’s fruit of gentleness (Galatians 5:22–23) - Submit to godly counsel from elders and mature believers (Proverbs 11:14) - Saturate speech with grace: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” (Ephesians 4:29) Practical Ways to Cultivate Gentle Wisdom • Begin each day asking God for a soft heart and guarded tongue. • Memorize and recite Proverbs 15:1—“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Before responding, pause long enough to pray, even silently. • Keep a journal of moments when gentleness averted conflict; review God’s faithfulness. • Surround yourself with mentors whose words consistently mirror Christ’s kindness. • Confess harsh habits quickly, receiving cleansing and fresh power (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate small victories of patience, giving thanks to the Lord. Scriptures to Keep Handy - Proverbs 15:1 – Gentle answers - James 1:19 – Quick to hear, slow to speak - Colossians 3:12 – Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility - Micah 6:8 – Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly - 1 Peter 5:5 – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” By continually seeking the Lord’s wisdom through His Word, prayer, and humble obedience, the harsh spirit that overtook Rehoboam can be replaced with the gentle, peace-loving spirit that reflects Christ. |
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