1 Kings 12:6
“King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel do you give me to answer these people?””
What does 1 Kings 12:6 mean?
When Rehoboam inherited his father Solomon's throne, the people came asking for lighter taxes and easier work requirements. Instead of dismissing them outright, the young king did something wise at first: he consulted the elders who had served under Solomon for decades. These older advisors understood both the kingdom's history and its people's limits, and they gave him counsel rooted in experience and restraint. The tragedy that follows (Rehoboam ultimately rejected this good advice for harsher words) makes this moment poignant. It shows us that wisdom is often available to us through those with experience, and that asking for counsel is never a sign of weakness. Even when we're in a position of authority or responsibility, seeking perspective from those who've walked longer roads can save us from costly mistakes.