The "Advice of the Young Men" is a significant biblical event that occurs in the context of the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and is recorded in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10. This event highlights the contrast between youthful inexperience and seasoned wisdom, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of wise counsel and the potential consequences of disregarding it.

Biblical Context

After the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne of Israel. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam at Shechem with a request to lighten the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them. Rehoboam sought counsel on how to respond to the people's plea.

The Counsel of the Elders

Initially, Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon. These elders advised him to be a servant to the people, to speak kindly to them, and to grant their request. They believed that by doing so, Rehoboam would win the loyalty of the people. As recorded in 1 Kings 12:7 , the elders said, "If you will be a servant to these people today and serve them, if you will respond to them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever."

The Advice of the Young Men

Rehoboam, however, rejected the counsel of the elders and instead turned to the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. These young men advised Rehoboam to assert his authority and increase the burden on the people. They suggested that he should tell the people, "My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions" (1 Kings 12:10-11).

Consequences of the Advice

Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of the young men, which led to disastrous consequences. His harsh response alienated the people, resulting in the division of the kingdom. The ten northern tribes rebelled against Rehoboam's rule, forming the separate kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the kingdom of Judah.

Theological Implications

The "Advice of the Young Men" serves as a poignant reminder of the value of wisdom and the dangers of pride and arrogance. It underscores the biblical principle that wise counsel, often associated with experience and age, should be heeded. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." The narrative illustrates the folly of ignoring sound advice and the potential for youthful impetuosity to lead to division and strife.

Lessons for Today

This account encourages believers to seek and value godly wisdom, especially when faced with significant decisions. It highlights the importance of humility and the willingness to listen to those who have walked the path before us. The account of Rehoboam and the advice of the young men remains a timeless lesson on the consequences of rejecting wise counsel in favor of prideful and reckless decisions.