"They replied, 'If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." 2 Chronicles 10:7 (NIV) The King James versions reads: "And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever."
This verse, penned by the Prophet Ezra under the divine inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, reflects the advice which the old wise men, who had been with King Solomon during his good times, gave to the new King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Their advice was for him to be kind to the people, speak good words to them, and give them a favorable reply. In his old age, Solomon had turned from God, his wisdom failed him, he wasted his vast treasures, and he burdened the people with taxes and servitude. After Solomon's death the people asked Rehoboam to ease their burdens. (2 Chronicles 10:4)
A kind word can turn away wrath. (Proverbs 15:1) A kind word can comfort and encourage. (Proverbs 12:25) As believers, we are taught to be kind to one another. (Ephesians 4:24) Kindness is part of the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God which should be displayed by all believers. (Galatians 5:22-23) It is good advice, and it is Godly advice, to be kind to others. It is not good to ignore wise counsel or The Word of God. Those who are not kind to, and who
mistreat the people of God, will incur the wrath of God. (Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19) We should treat people the way that we would like for them to treat us. (Matthew 7:12)
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