Solomon’s reign was the “golden age” of Israel, but there was a heavy price: the people were overworked and looking for relief.

The elders counseled Rehoboam to ease up the pressure. This would win the hearts of the people … they would be his loyal servants.

Rehoboam rejected the elders. He then asked youngers, who were his friends, for counsel. It’s not hard to believe that they were quick to tell him what he wanted to hear: push the people harder.

Rehoboam’s recklessness split the kingdom, and Jeroboam became the king in the North. Rehoboam went on to reign for 17 years, but he led his people away from God. The heights of Solomon’s reign found its opposite in the depths of Rehoboam’s leadership.

What motivated Rehoboam? To be fair, Scripture doesn’t tell us directly what was in his heart.

It’s clear that Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of the elders and embraced the folly of immature. We know that his rejection of wisdom was ultimately a rejection of God. He was the opposite of Solomon.

You have influence–everyone does. That is, unless you are alone on a castaway island with great wifi. How will you use your influence? Will you remove burdens from others or will you increase them? Do you need advice? What will you do if you don’t agree?