VERSE:
But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
— 2 Chronicles 10:8

THOUGHT:
When you read all of chapter 10, you realize that Rehoboam’s decision to reject the advice of the elders was bad, and ultimately fatal. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon – who was the wisest king that ever lived, and who made Israel the most prosperous nation in the entire world. The Queen of Sheba said of Solomon “how happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!” (2 Chronicles 9:7)

However, it was Solomon himself who said “I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool?” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19) Sure enough, Rehoboam proved to be a fool. He ignored all of the wisdom his father displayed and denied the wisdom of the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. Instead, he trusted the counsel of his friends – his young, inexperienced, foolish friends; and he consequently divided the kingdom of Israel.

APPLICATION:
Seeking wise counsel is a biblical principle (Proverbs 1:5; 11:4; 12:15, etc…). Don’t ignore the tested, fruit-bearing wisdom of those who have gone before you. Choose wisely who you allow to influence you, and be selective of those whom you take advice from. Look at their life and examine their fruit.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to discern between wise and foolish counsel. I pray that you would surround me with wise, fruit-bearing, God-fearing people that can speak into my life; and give me a humble heart to receive their counsel to the extent that it aligns with your will. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!