REJECTION OF GOOD COUNSEL

PROCLAMATION

“And King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that has stood before Solomon his father … and they spoke unto him, saying, be kind to this people … But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him …” 2 Chronicles 10:6-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam reigned in his stead.  It came to pass that Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard that Rehoboam was king of Israel.  Jeroboam had fled to Egypt, running from Solomon, and now returned to Israel.  Jeroboam met with King Rehoboam and told him that his father Solomon had made them suffer a grievous servitude, and he asked him if he would ease the burden on his people and they would serve him. (2 Chronicles 10:1-4)  Rehoboam told them to go and return in three days and give him time to consider their request.  Then he consulted with the old men that had been advisors to Solomon.  They advised him to be kind to them.  He rejected their advice and consulted the young men that he grew up with.  The young men advised him to make their task even harder. (2 Chronicles 10:5-11)  When Jeroboam and his people returned after the three days, Rehoboam told them that he was going to increase the load that his father had put upon them. When all of Israel learned that Rehoboam had not harkened to the counsel of the old wise men that had advised Solomon, they rebelled against Rehoboam and the house of David. (2 Chronicles 10:12-19)  

 

APPLICATION

From time to time we all need advice and the counsel of others.  However, we need to be very careful with regard to whom we seek as a source of advice.  The Bible is our guide to Christian living.  It can help us to live a more Christ-like life and it tells us how we should treat others.  In addition to praying and reading The Bible, we should also seek the counsel of our Christian elders.  Listening to our non-Christian, worldly friends and family can often lead us down the wrong path.  Whatever we hear from others we should make sure that it is in agreement with The Bible.