The Wrong Decisions

All the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, “Your father made our yoke hard, lighten the hard labor imposed by your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you.”—1 Kings 12:3–4 NASB

Rehoboam’s father, Solomon, had much to say in the proverbs he wrote about making decisions. But Rehoboam did not apply his father’s advice. When facing the first big test after becoming king, he made a series of wrong decisions.

First, there is no indication that Rehoboam prayed about the matter or asked God for His direction. He rejected the advice of men with experience and perspective and did not consider studying the record of history. He made clear that he did not care about the impact of his decision on his country or other people. He simply did what seemed best at the moment for himself.

His mistakes remind us why it is important to be careful to whom we turn for advice and to whom we listen. There is much we can learn from studying the actions of other people, but if we seek advice, we should look to mature believers. If we want God’s help in making the right decisions, we need to base our decisions on His Word, commit the questions we face to God, and seek His guidance.

Committing every decision to God, we need to apply the advice of Solomon and “trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

What decisions do you face today? Learn from the mistakes of Rehoboam. Trust God. Seek Him. Obey His Word. Stay humble.

Reflection Question: What decisions do you need to take to God today?