Proverbs 15.22
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
To whom do you turn to for advice on The Path?
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon who became king after his father’s death, refused to listen to the advice of the elders who had advised his father, and instead sought the counsel of his young friends. Unfortunately, his friends were operating from the dangerous combination of inexperience + ignorance + arrogance.
These guys were Rehoboam’s buddies—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 That way of doing things is outdated.”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 social circle blinded them to truth and wisdom. They were the fellowship of fools.
Many people today are locked in an echo chamber, 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.
Rehoboam, now king, became a tyrant.
“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)
When the people heard that Rehoboam would not respond to their reasonable request, they rejected his leadership. Completely. Israel became a divided nation.
“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)
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.
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.
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13.20)
Coram Deo
