King Rehoboam had his first big test after becoming king. Towards the end of King Solomon’s reign, the people of Israel had been heavily oppressed by Rehoboam’s father, Solomon.
The Israelites requested that King Rehoboam have mercy on them and lighten their load.
Rehoboam needed wise counsel. But instead of relying on Solomon’s older and wiser counselors, Rehoboam chose to listen to the folly of his young peers.
His peers recommended that Rehoboam showcase his power by oppressing the Israelites even more than his father. Rehoboam’s poor choice of following his peer’s advice cost him most of his kingdom.
Proverbs 12:5 teaches, “The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”
Seeking lots of counsel is wise, but it’s wiser yet to seek wise counsel.