Proverbs 15.22
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon addresses our friendships and social networks, and he warns against two errors: 1) Being arrogant and thinking you don’t need the input and guidance of wise counselors; and, 2) Listening to the advice of the wrong people. He admonishes us to listen to the wise people in our life.
This is the same core message that we looked at when we studied Proverbs 13.20 a few weeks ago. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” It is a simple rule for an effective life: You are the company you keep. Therefore, choose your friends carefully. Stay away from foolish people and stay close to wise people.
We are influenced by the people with whom we associate. Everyone knows this to be true. There’s even a term for it: Peer pressure. Our desire for “belonging” can be so strong that we are sometimes tempted to compromise our beliefs or suspend our better judgment in order to fit in with the group. The New Testament states it very clearly: “Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15.33).
An essential part of the kingdom journey is “walking with the wise.” We must align ourselves with people who encourage us and hold us accountable to getting on path and staying on the right path.
So let’s return to the account of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon who became king after Solomon’s death. Rather than listen to the advice of the elders (the fellowship of wisdom) who had advised his father, Rehoboam sought the counsel of his young friends. Unfortunately, his friends were operating from the dangerous combination of inexperience + ignorance + arrogance. They were the fellowship of fools.
These guys were Rehoboam’s buddies, they were his circle of influence, and he lacked the discernment to recognize that they didn’t know what they were talking about. No doubt they said something to the effect: “Don’t listen to those old traditionalists. That way of doing things is outdated.” Their youth, arrogance, and circle of influence blinded them to truth and wisdom.
Many people today are locked in an echo chamber and listening only to the narrative and talking points of their own group. They aren’t seeking other perspectives. They aren’t considering different opinions. They only want confirmation for what they already believe. They have surrounded themselves with a circle of influence that is leading them in the wrong direction.
“And the king answered the people harshly, and forsaking the counsel that the old men had given him, he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people.” (1 Kings 12:13-15)
It was because of this bad decision that the kingdom of Israel divided, and the negative ramifications reverberated throughout Israel’s history.
“And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents …. Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was none that followed the house of David but the tribe of Judah only.” (1 Kings 12:16,19-20)
Wow. When the people heard that Rehoboam would not respond to their reasonable request, they rejected his leadership. Completely. And Israel was divided.
This is a cautionary tale for all of us. We must be very careful who we allow into our circle of influence. There is a lot of bad advice out there. It’s imperative to have discernment and recognize who NOT to listen to. We must seek the advice of the wise. And only the wise.
