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But Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!” —II Chronicles 10:13-14

Want to alienate people? Then speak “harshly to them.” Reject “the advice of the older counselors and” follow “the counsel of… younger advisers.”

· “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 11:14).

· “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers” (Proverbs 24:6).

Yes, there is safety in a multitude of counselors as long as they are not “yes men” and are all just like you. In a multitude of advisors there needs to be diversity to get input from different perspectives. Hearing different points of view helps to think about things not thought of previously.

Rehoboam took the counsel of his peers and would not listen to the older generation. He did not have a diverse group of counselors that he was listening to. He only listened to those of his generation. Because of this he divided the nation with his harsh speech and plans toward the people.

Looking out for the best interest of the people will unite them. Going by the counsel of the present generation only will surely bring division. Every young generation thinks they know what is best and typically disregard the advice of the older generations. Previous knowledge and wisdom is abandoned for some “new and better way” of doing things that is exactly contrary to the historically applications of the past. This will bring problems and a repeat of the past’s destructiveness.

Dear Father, help me to speak according to Your Word and take advice from those who are living according to Your Word and from various backgrounds and generations. May it be so for Jesus honor and glory!