“But Rehoboam rejected the advice….” 2 Chronicles 10:8
I grew up in the same small town as my grandparents and was blessed to have them as a part of my childhood. They were a steady facet of my life, and I have many fond memories of my time with them. Memories ranged from summer evening trips to Dairy Queen in what was dubbed “The Ice Cream Van,” a red conversion van that had a special song-playing horn, to times sitting with them at church eating Velamints. My brother and I had a very special connection with my grandparents.
My grandpa was a fun-loving guy who also loved to give life advice. At mealtime when there was something not so desirable he would say, “Go ahead and try it. It’ll put hair on your chest.” And when someone got hurt he would say, “You’ll never know it by the time you’re married.” None of this advice was useful at the time but looking back at it as an adult I have come to appreciate what he was trying to teach my brother and me.
In the reading for today, we read of King Rehoboam, his failure to listen to sound advice, and the consequences of this decision. What would have happened if King Rehoboam had listened to the advice of his older advisors? We see what did happen in our reading; the kingdom remained divided and “The northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.” (2 Chronicles 10:19) and Egypt invaded the land.
Would the advice of the older counselors have saved this divided nation of Israel? Maybe at least for a moment. In our lives, we can seek good counsel from fellow believers and use these pieces of wisdom for God’s glory. Acting on good counsel costs very little and creates so much.
“Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.” Proverbs 12:15
Questions for reflection:
- What was some bad advice you received and how did you respond?
- Who is your wise counsel when you need some advice?
- What are ways you can be wise counsel to others? Where can you seek God to provide good advice?