How does Rehoboam's decision compare to Solomon's wisdom in Proverbs? Setting the Scene: Rehoboam at the Turning Point 2 Chronicles 10:3: “So they sent for him, and Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam.” • The northern tribes ask Rehoboam to lighten Solomon’s heavy labor and tax load (vv. 4–5). • Rehoboam consults two groups: the elders who had served Solomon, and the young men who grew up with him (vv. 6–11). • He rejects the elders’ counsel of kindness and chooses the harsh advice of his peers (vv. 12–15). Solomon’s Counsel in Proverbs: What the Father Taught the Son Many of the Proverbs were penned by Solomon—Rehoboam’s own father—and intended for a son just like him (Proverbs 1:8; 4:1–4). Key themes Rehoboam would have known: • Seek wisdom and understanding above riches (Proverbs 4:5–7). • Listen to counsel and accept instruction (Proverbs 19:20). • Rule with righteousness and justice, not oppression (Proverbs 16:12; 29:14). • Use gentle words to turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). Point-by-Point Contrast: Solomon’s Wisdom vs. Rehoboam’s Choice " Solomon’s Wisdom in Proverbs " Rehoboam’s Decision in 2 Chronicles 10 " " --- " --- " " “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) " Listened to many counselors, yet ignored the experienced ones, favoring peers. " " “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) " Promised harsher labor: “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.” (v. 10) " " “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) " Spoke pridefully of power, precipitating the kingdom’s split (v. 16). " " “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded.” (Proverbs 25:15) " Showed impatience; gave an answer on the third day without genuine consideration (v. 12). " " “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) " Became the “foolish king” who refused warning, despite his youth. " Proverbs Rehoboam Ignored (Selected Verses) • Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the LORD, not your own understanding. • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 20:18 — “Set plans by consultation, and wage war with sound guidance.” • Proverbs 24:6 — “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” • Proverbs 28:13 — Concealing sin brings no prosperity; confessing and renouncing brings mercy. (His harshness masked insecurity and sin.) Consequences: The Fruit of Ignoring Wisdom • Immediate: Ten tribes rebel, crowning Jeroboam; only Judah and Benjamin remain (2 Chron 10:16–19). • Long-term: Persistent division, civil war, and eventual exile for both kingdoms. • Spiritual: Rehoboam’s hardness opposed the covenant ideal of shepherd-leadership (Ezekiel 34:2–4). Takeaway for Today • Wisdom is not merely abstract; it was available to Rehoboam in written form—and is available to us now. • Proximity to truth (growing up under Solomon) does not guarantee obedience; humility and submission are required. • Leadership decisions ripple through families, churches, and nations; the fear of the LORD remains the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). |
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