History records that Solomon’s son and David’s grandson, Rehoboam, is a great example of someone who did not listen to his parent or to wise counsel. He listened to bad counsel and ended up splitting the kingdom. He also died at 58. By any standard, he did not enjoy the fruits Solomon speaks of throughout his teachings. Most of us realize that if our teenage children would just sit down, listen to what we say, and do it, their lives would go considerably smoother. Most of us also know that there aren’t many teenagers on this planet built to do that. As a matter of fact, there are some who will sit down, listen, and then be determined to go out and do just the opposite. Rehoboam appeared to do the exact opposite. He listened to counsel. It just turned out to be very unwise. But he truly had an insight into God—who He was, how He operated, and His desire for His children—from not only his personal lineage, but also from years of oral and written tradition passed down from the great saints who came before him. It’s easy to look at his life and think, “He just didn’t get it.” But in dismissing him, we tend to forget that we are capable of the same thing. How often have you listened to somebody’s wisdom and counsel and acted without first taking that wisdom and counsel into prayer? Patiently waiting for God’s response or direction is not nearly as easy as jumping on the first thing we hear. A long life is a great promise, but peace, joy, love, and all the other fruits of the Spirit for however long we are here are even better. Today, listen to godly counsel and let it guide your life. #BeTheEdge
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalms 32:8 NIV
