1 Kings 12:12-14  Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!” (NLT)

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The Lion King movie features a song called, I Just Can’t Wait to be King. Among the lyrics are these words:

I’m gonna be the mane event
Like no king was before
I’m brushing up on looking down
I’m working on my roar
(I Just Can’t Wait to Be King:
Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson & Laura Williams;
Producer Mark Mancina, The Lion King)

Solomon’s son, King Rehoboam, just couldn’t wait to be king. His father lived lavishly, extravagantly, and Rehoboam couldn’t wait to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. His dad began well and used well the wisdom God gave him. Rehoboam only learned the lessons of excess from Dear Old Dad. He had a lot to learn about people.

As Forrest Gump so adroitly declared, “Mama always says, ‘Stupid is as stupid does.’” Rehoboam was a stupid man who grew in wisdom after a quick and painful first hard lesson. 

Rehoboam had an opportunity to win the affection and loyalty of his father’s kingdom. His father’s counselors gave him wise advice, but he listened to his greedy and inexperienced buddies instead. 

Rehoboam was harsh when he should have been kind.

Rehoboam was powerful when he should have been patient.

Rehoboam was a bully when he should have been a friend. 

Rehoboam ignored God when he should have sought his wisdom and direction.

Rehoboam would want me to continue using his name. He would enjoy its sound. It would make him feel exalted. It makes me feel pity. He coulda been a contender. Instead, the best lessons we can take from his life are, first, don’t be like him, and second, seriously, don’t be like him.

Wisdom will teach its lessons. It will be heard. It’s always better to listen to the wise than to become one of their parables of foolishness. 

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I will learn wisdom from the wise and from the foolishness of those who ignored wisdom and suffered the consequences. 

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Our Father, thank you for preserving Rehoboam’s story. Sink your wisdom deep into our souls so that it may guide our decision-making and behavior. Empower us to use all the brains we have and all we can borrow. Amen.