Counsel! Who needs it? Who needs to be open to it? Who doesn’t?
Though there were things of God in the workings (1 Kings 12:15), when Rehoboam had taken the throne of his father Solomon, Jeroboam and others came before him with a request. When Rehoboam took counsel, we read. . .
“(6) Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” (7) And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” (8) But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. (9) And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” (10) And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. (11) And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’ ”” (1 Kings 12:6-11 ESV)
What does this tell us about Rehoboam? Rather than listening to the wisdom of age, he turned to the advice of his peers. This led to the dividing of the kingdom.
What does this account tell us about Solomon? Remember Solomon had asked God for wisdom in ruling such a great people (1 Kings 3:9) and was granted wisdom and understanding beyond measure. (1 Kings 4:29) His wisdom surpassed that of all the people of the east and of Egypt, and people from all nations came to hear his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:30-34) Solomon excelled all the kings in wisdom. (1 Kings 10:23) However, in noting in the text above that Rehoboam sought counsel from those who had stood before his father seems to indicate Solomon’s own openness to the aid of the advice and counsel of others. Therefore, even the wisest was open to the wisdom that could come from others.
Are we launching into life as if we have it all figured out? Sometimes that marks the arrogance of youth in not respecting the wisdom of age. Though some have been noted for having wisdom beyond their years, often what is needed is wisdom beyond our peers! Therefore, are we — regardless of age – humbly remaining open to the beneficial wisdom of others. Though we ultimately make the decision, giving ear to the counsel others can offer can provide a fuller filter than merely our own thoughts through which to base the decision; especially from those who are spiritually minded.
In the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs we read. . .
“ (15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 ESV)
And . . .
“(22) Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22 ESV)
May we always seek God’s wisdom (i.e. James 3:17) while also remaining humbly open to the wisdom of those whom God has surrounded us with within His family!
Have a great day HUMBLE ENOUGH TO GIVE EAR TO NEEDED COUNSEL!
Carl
