ODJ: open h(ear)t
October 29, 2011
But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers (v.8).
READ: 1 Kings 12:1-16
Sometimes I don’t want advice. On numerous occasions, I’ve poured out my heart to my husband and he has responded with sound counsel. But what he doesn’t always understand is that I simply want to share my thoughts with him. I don’t want answers. Acting as if I’m all ears, I listen only to see if he’ll say what I want to hear. Although I want godly counsel, because it’s both necessary and fruitful, I don’t always want to hear the truth. In those times, there’s nothing wrong with my ears—but my heart is another matter . . .
New in the position as king, Rehoboam wanted to meet the people’s needs. But he didn’t understand the purpose of godly counsel. Feeding his (and their own) need for power, his friends advised him into actions that cost him the support of the people and the majority of his kingdom (1 Kings 12:8). Learning too late that popularity with his peers didn’t equate with wisdom, Rehoboam chose to follow the proud motives of his own heart and the poor advice of his friends. Sadly, the desire for sound judgment by Solomon (his father), hadn’t been transferred to Rehoboam (3:7-9).
Looking for others to validate us in our hard-headedness will do little more than lead us to ruin. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble,” while 15:31 reminds us, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.”
When it comes to seeking advice, we should prayerfully consider: where we seek counsel (Psalms 101:6, 119:24), how we seek counsel (James 1:5-6); and why we seek counsel (Isaiah 55:6-11).
God stands ready to reveal His wisdom to us. It’s up to us to make sure our hearts are ready to hear. —Regina Franklin
Whom do you most often seek out for advice? Does this individual give you godly counsel? What makes for counsel that is truly wise?
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