1 Kings 12:7

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

If thou wilt

Speak good

General references

Job 32:7

Bible References

If thou wilt

Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon [as advisers] while he was alive, asking, “What advice do you give me in answer to these people?”

A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath,
But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.

But this is not how it is among you; instead, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,

but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].

Speak good

The king answered the people harshly and ignored the advice which the elders had given him,

Then Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man appointed as the king’s agent to listen to you.”

If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post [showing resistance], because composure and calmness prevent great offenses.

And the Lord answered the angel who was speaking with me with gracious and comforting words.

General references

“I thought age should speak,
And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.