What role does humility play in leadership, as seen in 2 Chronicles 10:12? Key Verse “After three days Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, according to the king’s word, ‘Come back to me on the third day.’ ” (2 Chronicles 10:12) Historical Snapshot • The united kingdom stands at a crossroads. • Rehoboam inherits the throne of David and Solomon. • The people seek relief from heavy labor and taxation. • Verse 12 captures their hopeful return for the king’s answer. Humility’s Missing Ingredient • Instead of humbly hearing the cry of his subjects, Rehoboam will answer harshly (vv. 13-14). • A humble leader recognizes service over entitlement (cf. 1 Kings 12:7). • Rehoboam’s posture shows how pride ignores wisdom and provokes division. What Humility Could Have Looked Like • Listening: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). • Servanthood: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). • Dependency on God: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Empathy: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Consequences of Pride in Leadership • The kingdom splits (2 Chronicles 10:16-17). • Generations feel the sting of one man’s arrogance. • “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Positive Portraits of Humble Leadership • Moses: “Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). • David: “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?” (2 Samuel 7:18). • Jesus: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Take-Home Insights • Humility invites counsel; pride cancels counsel. • Humility unites people; pride fractures them. • Humility honors God; pride resists Him—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Leadership anchored in humility listens, serves, and submits to God. Rehoboam’s story in 2 Chronicles 10 reminds us that a single decision—rooted in either humility or pride—can shape the destiny of nations and hearts alike. |
    |