1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king…3 And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” 5 He said to them, “Go away for three days, then come again to me.” So the people went away. 1 Kings 12:1,3-5
10b thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs. 11 And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:10-11
Gaining and Applying Wisdom to Avoid Bad Counsel:
- Starts with a Choice
1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;… 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-2, 5
- Applying Truth
But they did not obey or incline their ear but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. Jeremiah 7:24
- Choosing Good Company
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Steps to Making Good Decisions
- Pray/ask God
- Seek Godly wisdom
- Seek wisdom from people who know you
- Work the pros & cons
- Wait
- Faith
- Staying aware of the Enemy.
6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous.” 7 When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 8 Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” 2 Chronicles 12:6-8
Big Idea: Gain and apply God’s wisdom. Do so by diligently choosing to listen to truth, always keep good company, and resist the devil disguised as an angel of light.