Seeking and Receiving Wise Counsel
Christians should know about seeking wise counsel, especially when making important decisions. There are numerous passages in scripture that specifically encourage seeking counsel. Proverbs 1:5; 11:14; 12:15; 15:22 are just a few that are worth meditating on. Though the Bible is clear on the benefits of seeking counsel, and the consequences of rejecting it, most of us still have difficulty seeking counsel.
In 2 Chronicles chapter 10, we read about an event in the history of the nation of Israel that was monumental. Israel had just laid to rest Solomon, the wisest and richest king the country had ever had. For forty years, they had experienced wealth to such a degree that we are told in 2 Chronicles 9:27, "the king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones."
The whole nation under Solomon had enjoyed a life filled with abundance. However, as we transition into chapter 10, we see another side to this story. Apparently, Solomon's achievements came at a high price for the people of Israel; the heavy yoke that the king had put on the people had taken its toll, and the people were looking for relief.
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was now due to receive the throne and become king in his father's place. As all Israel gathers together at Shechem to make him king, the people make a special request of their future king. They ask that the burden that was so heavy on them during his father's reign would be made lighter. If the king agrees, they commit to serving him faithfully.
To Rehoboam's credit, his first reaction is wise; he tells the people to come back in three days, and he will give them an answer. Instead of shooting off the first thing that comes to his mind, he decides to think about it. This is something we should consider whenever we face an important decision. Instead of acting first, we should take the time to think before we act. A sure way to make mistakes is to make hasty decisions. Always take the time to think and pray through decisions.
2 Chronicles 10:6 tells us what Rehoboam did next. "Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, saying, "How do you advise me to answer these people?"
Consider this group of men. For years they were exposed to the wisdom of Solomon, given to him by none other than God himself. They were arguably the men who would have known the best direction for the kingdom of Israel at that time. Sadly, we're told that Rehoboam "rejected the advice of the elders… and consulted the young men who grew up with him, who stood before him." (2 Chronicles 10:8)
Notice that he did not reject the elders' advice after consulting the young men but rather before. This is very important because it reveals to us something about Rehoboam. It tells us he had already decided in his heart what he would do. Had he not already made up his mind, he would not have rejected the advice before consulting the young men. He would have listened to the advice of both before making his decision.
He wasn't looking for advice; he was looking for agreement.
How often do we do the same thing? We see something we want and begin to justify it to everyone around us to get them to agree with us. We often downplay the negative aspects of acquiring the thing we want and are enthusiastic about all the benefits of having it.
When I was 18 years old, I wrecked my first car by driving it too fast. I took my dad with me to a dealer in town to look for another car. I wanted something sporty and fast that was going to improve my image. Against my dad's advice, which proved to be spot on, I bought a Camaro Z28 with a few too many miles on it and suffered for it, financially and in other ways.
Rehoboam choosing the advice of his friends over the counsel of the elders results in the kingdom being divided. One wrong decision splits the nation and starts Israel, now the ten-tribe nation, down a path of idolatry that leads to their ultimate rejection and exile, as God punishes them for their many sins. Sadly, Judah later follows down the same path, and their outcome is just as tragic.
Conclusion
We have the privilege of knowing the outcome of this story and can see the error that Rehoboam made. We seldom have the same privilege of foresight in our own situations. Therefore, we must allow God through His Word and through other people to provide us the wisdom and counsel that will keep us on the right path.
Seeking counsel is wise and should be our first step toward making good decisions. But seeking isn't enough; we must also be willing to receive counsel. Receiving means we come with an open heart and an open mind. We must be teachable and ready to be guided by the Spirit of God, who will protect us from harm and provide us with the wisdom to make good and godly decisions.
For Further Reading:
Why the Church is the Best Place for Financial Education
Maintaining the Right Balance in our Saving
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Contentment: The Superpower of the Financially Wise
Help People to Trust God More, and Giving will Follow
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