Reading for Today:
Proverb Chapter 20
Gold Nugget
Verse 18: “Plans are established by counsel; by wise
counsel wage war.”
Commentary
Solomon wrote this proverb and gave good advice that we
all should follow. If only his son, Rehoboam, would have taken this advice, it
would have forever changed the history of Israel. Soon after taking rule over
the kingdom, Rehoboam came into a real political crisis. Although his father
was considered the wisest person to ever live, he had taxed the people very
heavily. The people cried out in protest, demanding to know if Rehoboam would
follow in his father’s footsteps. Being caught in such a difficult situation he
knew that there was wisdom in council. His father had taught him that for sure.
Seeking such direction, he went to the council his father had established. They
advised him to consider the needs of the people. Instead of taking the council
of the elders, he got a second opinion. He went to his peers. He asked the
people he grew up with what he should do. They suggested he refuse the people’s
attempt to push him around and make demands. This met more with his youthful
pride and he announced to the people that he would take it even a step further
than his father and tax heavier with tougher rule. The end result was the
division of the Kingdom of Israel. Divided into two kingdoms, they were sure to
fall. Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against
itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:24) …and fall it did.
It is
known in the scriptures and in history that Israel and Judah (the two halves of the split) would later fall into slavery and would never fully recover. If only Rehoboam would have followed his
father’s advice as he wrote in today’s “gold nugget”, “Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war.”
Although he found good council in the older wiser men, he chose to please
himself and his friends to his own demise. When making decisions in life, we
should consider the life of Rehoboam. Let us not think so highly of ourselves
that we will not submit to wisdom and direction from those who have obtained
it. Furthermore, poor council is worse than no council. Finding those that will
agree with your position is not confirmation that you should continue with your
own ideas. If you seek wisdom, you will find it. When you find it, take it!
Prayer
Lord, there have
been times where we needed council and you provided it, only to have us seeking
a second or third opinion until we found one we preferred. Help us to recognize
good council and adhere to it when you send it.
Amen
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