How does Rehoboam's decision compare to Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and understanding? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 10:12–14 recounts the moment when “Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day.” The king chooses the harsh counsel of his peers over the seasoned advice of the elders, telling Israel, “My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” • That single decision fractures the kingdom exactly as the LORD had foretold (10:15). Proverbs’ Portrait of True Wisdom • Proverbs 1:5 — “Let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel.” • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Proverbs 12:15 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” • Proverbs 13:10 — “Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.” • Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Proverbs 19:20 — “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” Point-by-Point Comparison 1. Seeking Counsel • Proverbs urges gathering “many counselors.” • Rehoboam does assemble advisers, yet he dismisses the elders and heeds only the flattering voices of his youthful peers—violating Proverbs 11:14; 15:22. 2. Posture of Humility vs. Pride • Proverbs repeatedly warns that pride invites downfall (16:18). • Rehoboam’s answer drips with swagger and self-assertion, displaying the very haughty spirit Scripture condemns. 3. Listening vs. Presuming • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (12:15). • Rehoboam pre-decides what he wants to hear, then looks for advisers who echo it. 4. Gentle Speech vs. Harsh Speech • Proverbs 15:1 promises peace through a “gentle answer.” • Rehoboam chooses the harsher path, inflaming the people and fulfilling Proverbs 15:1 in reverse. 5. Outcomes Foretold • Proverbs links folly to ruin: “Arrogance leads only to strife” (13:10). • Strife erupts immediately; ten tribes revolt, and Israel splits in two. Consequences Echoing Proverbs • National division mirrors Proverbs 11:14—without sound guidance, “a nation falls.” • Personal downfall mirrors Proverbs 18:12—“Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud.” • Lasting loss underscores Proverbs 19:20—wisdom rejected today compounds trouble tomorrow. Takeaways for Today • Gather godly, experienced voices before deciding. • Test counsel against Scripture, not personal preference. • Choose humility over pride; softness over severity. • Remember: God’s Word is proven true—wisdom preserves, folly fractures. |
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