1 Kings 12:13-14, New International Version

“The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men…”

Let’s put ourselves into this situation: A loyal laborer (friend, co-worker, citizen of a country…) came and shared their burden with you saying, “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” (1 Kings 12:4, NIV) The royal seat (the authority) has just been handed over to you at a young age. You do not have much experience in how to handle the situation and how the job should be done. In this situation, what steps would you possibly take?

“Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime….” (verse 6, NIV) I believe this would be what the majority of us would do to help us make a mature decision – consult those who have experience and understanding. But there is a but in this story:

“But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.” (verse 8, NIV) The advice that he received was not his cup of tea, it was not what his itching ears wanted to hear. (2 Timothy 4:4) So, what was the advice that his young companion gave him?

“… tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’” (verse 10-11, NIV)

Compare this with the advice of the elders, “…If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” (verse 7, NIV)

There are two choices here – a choice to be wise or foolish. There are two attitudes – humble or arrogant. There are two ways – respectful or cruel. And it should be perfectly clear to recognize that his choice could lead in two directions. The Bible says, “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV) And it also tells us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)

In this event, through the choice of King Rehoboam, we can learn, “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5, NIV)

When we think we know much, the truth is that there is always much more we do not know. Be humble and never stop learning from the Wise! Who is the Wise? “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25, NIV) “By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place.” (Proverbs 3:19, NIV) I hope you have your answer. No matter how old you are, compared with the everlasting God, you have much more to learn.