The Danger Of Rejecting Godly Counsel Series

THE DANGER OF REJECTING GODLY COUNSEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 12:1-33

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; Isaiah 30:1; James 1:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

1 Kings 12 marks a pivotal shift in Israel’s history—the division of the united kingdom into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). At the centre of this national split was Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who ascended the throne after his father's death. The people approached him with a simple request for relief from the heavy burdens placed on them by Solomon’s administration.

Rehoboam had the opportunity to unite the kingdom through wisdom, humility, and listening to godly counsel. Instead, he ignored the elders and chose the advice of his peers, leading to rebellion, division, and long-lasting consequences.

This chapter reveals that decisions made in pride, arrogance, and foolishness can ruin what took generations to build. Godly counsel is not optional for those in leadership—it is essential.

1. PRIDE BLINDS LEADERS FROM SEEING PEOPLE’S REAL NEEDS

Rehoboam responded to the people with harshness rather than compassion.

a) “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke…” (1 Kings 12:14)

Instead of relieving the burden, he increased it.

b) Pride refuses to listen because it is obsessed with control

Rehoboam saw the request as weakness, not wisdom.

c) Authority without compassion leads to oppression

He failed to understand the heart of the people.

d) Leaders must never see themselves as above correction or advice

He ruled by fear instead of relationship.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh refused to listen to Moses, and his kingdom suffered judgment (Exodus 7-12).

2. GODLY COUNSEL IS A SHIELD AGAINST TRAGIC DECISIONS

The elders who served Solomon gave wise advice—but Rehoboam rejected it.

a) “If you will be a servant to these people today… they will be your servants forever.” (1 Kings 12:7)

Servant leadership builds lasting loyalty.

b) Elderly counsel is seasoned with experience and divine perspective

Solomon’s advisers had seen God’s hand on the kingdom.

c) Disregarding wisdom opens the door to ruin

Rehoboam saw their advice as outdated.

d) God often speaks through spiritual mentors, elders, and proven voices

Rejecting them is rejecting His order.

Biblical Example: Joshua was wise because he remained under Moses’ instruction (Exodus 24:13).

3. FOOLISH ADVICE APPEALS TO THE FLESH AND STIRS DIVISION

Rehoboam followed the advice of his peers, who encouraged him to assert dominance.

a) “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist…” (1 Kings 12:10)

Their words incited arrogance, not understanding.

b) Friends who lack wisdom can be more dangerous than enemies

They spoke from youthful pride, not spiritual insight.

c) Bad company ruins good destiny

His circle reinforced foolishness.

d) Leadership demands surrounding oneself with voices of truth, not flattery

The wrong counsel can shatter entire systems.

Biblical Example: Amnon listened to Jonadab’s advice, leading to disgrace and death (2 Samuel 13:3-14).

4. DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD’S ORDER INVITES JUDGMENT AND LOSS

The kingdom was torn in two as judgment for Rehoboam’s actions and Solomon’s sins.

a) “This thing is from Me.” (1 Kings 12:24)

God allowed the division as part of His righteous judgment.

b) Disobedience in one generation affects the next

Rehoboam inherited consequences but worsened them through pride.

c) God is sovereign—He uses even human failure to fulfil His plan

Jeroboam became king over ten tribes as prophesied.

d) No leader can stand if God removes His backing

God’s verdict will always prevail over man’s intentions.

Biblical Example: Saul’s disobedience led to the loss of his throne and the rise of David (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

5. MAN-MADE RELIGION IS A DANGEROUS SUBSTITUTE FOR TRUE WORSHIP

Jeroboam, after being made king over Israel, introduced idols to keep people from returning to Judah.

a) “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods…” (1 Kings 12:28)

He created convenience-based religion to secure political control.

b) Idolatry often begins as a strategy to manipulate people spiritually

He set up golden calves and false altars.

c) Leaders must never tamper with divine patterns for personal gain

Jeroboam violated God’s commands for worship.

d) False worship draws nations into sin and destruction

He led Israel into centuries of apostasy.

Biblical Example: Aaron made a golden calf to appease the people, and it brought a curse (Exodus 32:1-35).

CONCLUSION:

1 Kings 12 is a sobering reminder that leadership without wisdom, humility, and discernment leads to division and disaster. Rehoboam rejected the counsel that could have preserved his kingdom. Jeroboam manipulated worship to maintain power and introduced idolatry.

God is calling leaders—both spiritual and civil—to lead with His fear, to seek wise counsel, and to remain anchored in truth. The voice you listen to will determine the path you walk.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me a humble heart that listens to wise and godly counsel.