What can we learn about seeking wise counsel from Rehoboam's actions? The Setting: Rehoboam Steps Into Leadership “Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.” (2 Chronicles 10:1) At first glance, the new king appears ready to listen, but the next verses reveal a master class in how not to handle counsel. What Rehoboam Did Right—At First • He met the people where they were (v.1), signaling openness. • He deferred a quick answer and created space to seek advice: “Come back to me in three days” (v.5). • He consulted the seasoned elders who had served his father Solomon (v.6). Where Rehoboam Went Wrong • He “rejected the advice of the elders” (v.8). • He turned instead to “the young men who had grown up with him” (v.8)—peers lacking tested wisdom. • He embraced harsh, pride-driven counsel that flattered his ego (vv.10-11). • His choice split the kingdom, fulfilling prophetic warning yet bringing avoidable pain (vv.16-19). Lessons on Seeking Wise Counsel Today • Seek counsel early, before you are emotionally locked into a decision. • Prioritize advisers with proven faithfulness and experience, not just shared age or interests (Proverbs 16:31). • Measure every opinion against God’s revealed Word; wisdom is “first pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17). • Beware of echo chambers; diverse, god-fearing voices protect against blind spots. • Humility is non-negotiable. The elder counsel required Rehoboam to serve; pride made that unpalatable (1 Peter 5:5). • Understand the stakes: ignoring sound counsel can fracture families, churches, even nations (Proverbs 11:14). Cross-References on God’s View of Counsel • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 19:20 — “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Bottom Line Rehoboam shows that simply gathering advisers is not enough; wisdom lies in embracing counsel that aligns with God’s character, even when it confronts personal pride. |
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