What lessons can we learn about seeking wise counsel from 2 Chronicles 10:13? Setting the Scene “ And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders.” (2 Chronicles 10:13) Solomon’s son has just inherited the throne. The people plead for lighter burdens. Two voices speak into Rehoboam’s life: seasoned elders urge compassion; arrogant peers demand toughness. Verse 13 records the pivotal moment—Rehoboam chooses the latter, delivering a rough reply that splits the kingdom. What Went Wrong? • He ignored proven wisdom. • He let pride shape his tone: “harshly.” • He chose popularity with friends over responsibility to the nation. Lessons on Seeking Wise Counsel • Seek age-tested voices first. The elders had walked with Solomon and seen God’s faithfulness. Proverbs 1:5—“Let the wise listen and gain instruction.” • Measure counsel by its alignment with God’s heart, not by how it flatters ego. James 3:17 contrasts wisdom “from above” (pure, peace-loving) with earthly, selfish counsel. • Weigh motives. Friends may love us, yet still crave power or approval. Proverbs 27:6—“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” • Listen with humility. 1 Peter 5:5 commands, “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” Pride deafens; humility hears. • Look at fruit before you decide. Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). Rehoboam’s harsh answer produced division; godly counsel produces unity and peace. Practical Steps for Today 1. Identify two or three spiritually mature believers whose walk with God you respect; invite their input on major decisions. 2. Compare every piece of advice with Scripture. God’s Word is the final authority (Psalm 119:105). 3. Pray for discernment before you act—asking, “Will this counsel honor Christ and serve others?” 4. Remember tone matters. Even the right decision delivered harshly can wound. Ephesians 4:29 calls us to speak “only what is helpful for building others up.” 5. Accept accountability. True wisdom welcomes correction; folly resists it (Proverbs 12:1). Connecting Passages • 1 Kings 12 gives the parallel account, underscoring the same lesson. • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Isaiah 30:1 warns of “plans that are not Mine” when people bypass God’s guidance. Takeaway Rehoboam’s single decision—rooted in pride and the wrong counsel—fractured a nation. Our choices may not split kingdoms, but they shape families, churches, and communities. Pursue godly counsel early, weigh it carefully, and respond with humility; in doing so, we embrace the path of wisdom the Lord clearly commends. |
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