Read 1 Kings 12:1-17

“Then the king [Rehoboam] answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men...” (1 Kings 12:13–14)

The Scriptures are full of wisdom inside and out, even in the most unsuspecting ways, for here we learn about the much needed principle of eldership within leadership.

The political atmosphere of Israel was fragile. King Solomon was dead. He had left the nation confused by his pursuit of other gods which his many wives’ had led him to. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, who was appointed to take the kingdom, was young and unprepared for the kingly position. If Rehoboam was not wise to win the hearts of the people, it would take one untimely blow against his leadership for the kingdom to shatter. That shattering blow came swiftly.

Coming out of hiding from Egypt was a mighty man of valor and a strong leader named Jeroboam. He was once an officer over all of King Solomon’s labor force. Because of Solomon’s sin, God sent a prophet to tell Jeroboam the kingdom of Israel would be split and that he would become king over the 10 northern tribes of Israel. How this would all take place was unknown, but it was certain to happen according to God’s Word.

Yet, as we observe our selected verses, we learn that the culprit of division within the kingdom came, not by Jeroboam’s hand, but by King Rehoboam’s weak and unwise leadership. What did Rehoboam do? He ignored the wisdom of his elders and sought the advice of young men — likely “yes boys” — who were too eager to please the king rather than give objective guidance for the kingdom. The result caused Rehoboam to be harsh against his own people, which sparked a fallout, leading the 10 northern tribes of Israel to forsake Rehoboam and go after Jeroboam as God had foretold.

How ironic that it was Rehoboam’s own father, King Solomon, who wrote the following Proverb:

“The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head.” (Proverbs 20:29)

Not only do Scriptures reveal this principle, but life itself teaches us that there is invaluable wisdom with age! Gray hair is even called a crown of glory! (see Proverbs 16:31)

Does this mean that young leaders are incapable and always headed for gutters? Certainly not. The Bible’s most influential leaders were young. David was a youth when he led Israel into victory over Goliath. The prophet Samuel was only a child when he was called to be Israel’s prophet. King Josiah was 8 years old when he became king, and by the age of 16 he had led all of Israel into reform. The pastoral letters were written to two young men, Timothy and Titus, who were leading and shepherding churches.

“Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.” (Ecclesiastes 4:13)

Therefore, Beloved, do not be mistaken. It is not age itself that is the barrier to impactful, godly leadership. But we are warned that the neglect of eldership in our circle of counsel is a recipe for stupidity. We must surround ourselves with the wisdom of others who have gone before us. This principle applies both physically and spiritually. Those young in age should give ear to those older in age, and those young in faith should give their ear to those seasoned in the faith. No one thrives in an echo chamber of peer advice.

Remember that the wisdom of eldership is a beautiful gift from God for you. To be leaders we must be led. Are you seeking wisdom from your elders?

‌“Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.” (Job 12:12)