The people you hang around can influence you. You develop the same mindset that can be good or bad. In 2 Chronicles 10:1-15, Solomon has died, and Rehoboam is now King. The people of Israel came to Rehoboam and asked for a lighter load and fewer taxes. Rehoboam tells them to come back in three days. In those three days, Rehoboam consults the older men who had counseled his father and younger men who he knew in his years growing up.
The older men told him to lighten the people’s load and by all means lower taxes. On the other hand, his friends told him don’t lighten the load, make it heavier. Well, whose advise do you think Rehoboam decides to use? The young men. His peers. As a result, the people of Israel rebel and divided.
Proverbs tells us to seek wisdom. “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” (Proverbs 13:20). “The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.” (Proverbs 15:7) The problem with Rehoboam is not that he did not seek wisdom but that he did not follow the wisdom. “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.” (Proverbs 8:33.)
As believers, it is important to have someone you can turn to for good biblical advice. The key is not just to ask their opinion but to listen to their counsel and ask God for the right direction. Rehoboam did the asking of the people around him, but he did not seek the Lord in the matter. It ended up costing him the kingdom.
Do you have someone in your life who can give you biblical advice?
Amen! Great post. A Refreshing reminder. Thanks Dwan!