King Rehoboam's dysfunctional leadership split the nation of Israel in two. His hunger for power, his unreasonable demands, and his lack of compassion for those who worked under him ultimately proved decisive in his downfall.
Very likely, however, the root of his problem is found in 2 Chronicles 10:15:
2 Chronicles 10:15 So the king hearkened not unto the people
Leaders must listen for two reasons:
- to connect with others, and
- to learn from others.
President Woodrow Wilson put it this way: "The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people." Furthermore, a leader encourages their people to tell them what they need to know, not what they want to hear. Sometimes 50 percent of a leader's work simply consists of listening.
Why Did Rehoboam Fail to Listen?
- He was narrow-minded and could not see beyond himself.
The people promised to serve him if he lightened their burden. He did not grasp that. He did not see the world as it was, but as he was. His picture of the world and of his people was too narrow.
- He was indecisive and could not make up his mind.
He wavered back and forth over what to do with their request and then told them to come back later.
- He was self-centered and could not accept advice.
He rejected the wise counsel of his advisers once he noticed it did not match what he wanted.
- He was greedy and could not give in.
He promised to make his people's lives not easier but harder, so that his little finger would be thicker than his father's loins.
From King Rehoboam, leaders learn the difference between "hearing" and "listening." Hearing is a function of the ears; the king heard every word spoken. Listening, however, is a function of the will and the heart; leaders listen in order to connect and to learn. Rehoboam failed at both. He refused to listen to the history of his people. He refused to listen to the wise counsel of his elders. He refused to listen to God.
Whom to Listen to and Whom Not to
Leaders certainly cannot listen to everyone. Too many competing voices and opinions do not make listening any easier. So whom should leaders listen to? Wise leaders listen especially to the following people:
2 Chronicles 10:15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.