Journal ~ ProverbsSample

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION 

Disaster! King Solomon gave such good advice to his son: Pay attention. Listen. I expect Solomon had hundreds of children, but the one I am thinking of is Rehoboam, who became king of Israel after Solomon died. Remember the story?  Rehoboam asks the king's advisers if he should lighten the burden his father had placed upon the people. The advisers all agreed that he should lighten the burden.  But Rehoboam didn't listen to them.  He listened to his “friends,” his entourage.  They told him he would appear weak if he lightened the burden. He told the people of Israel: “You think you had it bad under my father?  Wait until you see what I can do!” His words caused the kingdom of Israel to split, and 10 of the tribes left to follow another man. Centuries of civil war, death and destruction followed. All because Rehoboam didn’t listen to wise counsel.

My wife Monica has this input: How are wisdom and insight gained? Through careful observation, experience, years of relationship with God and his Word. Parents and older people have a lot to offer if we are willing to listen to them.

Do you need wisdom? Ask God. But also ask others whom you respect and love.  They will give you good advice. It is when we don't listen to God and wise people that disaster befalls us.