Thread by @PGeeman

First kings 12 gives a sad account of the effect of surrounding yourself with mindless friends. Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon ascended to the throne after the death of his father. (1/9)

The people approached the new king and appealed to him to lighten the workload Solomon had put on them while he was alive. Rehoboam asked the people to give him time to ponder their request and then sought counsel from the elders of the land. (2/9)

The elders advised that if Rehoboam would show compassion, serve the people & lighten their load,the people would love & serve him faithfully in return. However,Rehoboam was dissatisfied with their counsel & turned away to seek counsel from the young men he had grown up..(3/9)

with it. These young men told him that it was his time to shine and outdo his father. They advised him to tell the people that they didn't know what a yoke truly felt like, and that in comparison, Rehoboam's finger would be thicker than his father's waist. (4/9)

Rehoboam decided to choose the advice of the youth over that of the elders. When the people heard, they revolted against his reign and caused Israel to split in two. Rehoboam became ruler over Judah, and Jeroboam became ruler of Israel. (5/9)

For the first time, Israel was ruled by someone outside David's lineage, all because Rehoboam insisted on consorting with fools. Remember, Proverbs 13:29 says, "The companion of fools will be destroyed." (6/9)

Many people are guilty of acting with the recklessness and stupidity of Rehoboam. Think about it: What qualification did the young men have to advise Rehoboam? Why would anyone elect the counsel of a ruffian over that of a seasoned professional? (7/9)

I believe Rehoboam was a fool long before he ascended the throne, which is why he didn't recognize wise counsel even after he heard it. (8/9)

First Kings 12:8 says, "He consulted with the young men who grew up with him." He had kept company with stupid people for far too long, and they jeopardized his destiny. This is what I call THE PRICE OF WALKING WITH FOOLS.
(9/9) #Pgeeman