“Your
father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, lighten the burdensome service of
your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.”
(v.4)
When
Solomon's son, Rehoboam, was to be crowned king, the people asked him to please
lighten the burden Solomon had placed on them. Solomon had heavily taxed the
people and given them assignments in service to the kingdom. Rehoboam asked the
people to give him three days to consider their request.
First
he went to the elders that had advised his father. They had been a part of the
success of his father and had a track record of giving good advice. They
advised Rehoboam to be a servant leader. They told him that if he would indeed
lighten their load, they would keep their word and serve him faithfully all
their life.
Rehoboam
didn't like that advise. He wanted what his father had. Why should he tighten
his belt and do with less? He then sought out the advice of the young men he
grew up with. They told him what he wanted to hear. He answered the people that
he would be harsher than his father. The ten northern tribes drew away with
Jeroboam as their leader, fulfilling the word of God (1 Kings 11:31).
When
seeking advise we all have a tendency to look to those who will tell us what we
want to hear, and we reject the advice of those who tell us what we would
rather not hear. Though age does not always bring wisdom, ask advice of those
who have the life that shows they know their stuff. Ask people who demonstrate
the fruits of the Spirit. Even if you don't like their answers, realize they
are best for you. Then seek the Lors and ask Him for wisdom.
Refusing sound advice may cause you to end up with even less
than you feared losing.
The
Truth:
“When pride
comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
