13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,
13 The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders,
13 And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men,
13 The king's answer was harsh and rude. He spurned the counsel of the elders
13 Then the king answered them roughly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders,
13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 10:13
Chapter Contents
The ten tribes revolt from Rehoboam.
Moderate counsels are wisest and best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Most people like to be accosted mildly. Good words cost only a little self-denial, yet they purchase great things. No more needs to be done to ruin men, than to leave them to their own pride and passion. Thus, whatever are the devices of men, God is doing his own work by all, and fulfilling the word which he has spoken. No man can bequeath his prosperity to his heirs any more than his wisdom; though our children will generally be affected by our conduct, whether good or bad. Let us then seek those good things which will be our own for ever; and crave the blessing of God upon our posterity, in preference to wealth or worldly exaltation.