In this message titled “Don’t Be a Wise Fool” from 1 Kings 12:1-33, Pastor Allen Victor examined the tragic decisions of Rehoboam and Jeroboam and showed how wisdom without submission to God can become foolishness. He explained that a wise fool is someone who is wise in his own eyes, makes decisions without seeking godly counsel, and acts without carefully thinking through the consequences. Through the account of Israel’s divided kingdom, Pastor Allen demonstrated how both kings followed their own hearts rather than God’s wisdom and suffered the results.

The sermon began with the people’s request that Rehoboam lighten the heavy burdens placed upon them during Solomon’s reign. Pastor Allen noted that while Solomon faithfully built the house of God, the extensive building projects became a burden on the people. He reminded the congregation that God never calls His people to carry burdens without also providing His help and strength. Rehoboam wisely paused for three days before answering, illustrating the principle that a wise person pauses and prays before speaking or acting. The congregation was encouraged to remember that quick decisions often become long regrets and that God’s promises are not harmed by patience.

As Rehoboam sought advice, he first consulted the elders who counseled him to serve the people and speak kindly to them. Pastor Allen emphasized that wisdom comes from asking God, seeking godly counsel, searching the Scriptures, and waiting on the Lord. However, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders and instead followed the advice of his young friends, who encouraged him to increase the people’s burdens. The message highlighted the danger of shopping for advice that agrees with personal desires rather than seeking counsel that aligns with God’s will.

The sermon then showed how Rehoboam’s harsh response fulfilled God’s prophetic word and led to the division of the kingdom into the northern tribes of Israel and the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Pastor Allen reminded listeners that fighting against the will of God is always a losing battle. He pointed to examples such as Pharaoh, Balaam, Saul, Jonah, Herod, and Satan, all of whom discovered that resisting God’s purposes leads only to defeat.

The study also examined Rehoboam’s attempt to reclaim the kingdom by military force. Drawing from Zechariah 4:6 and Galatians 3:1-3, Pastor Allen taught that God’s work is accomplished by His Spirit, not by human strength. He warned that whatever people strive to obtain through fleshly methods must continually be maintained through fleshly effort. Believers were encouraged to seek what God desires for them and to remain content with what He provides.

The message then turned to Jeroboam, who initially built Shechem and Penuel—places associated with choosing and trusting God. Yet despite these reminders, Jeroboam allowed fear to govern his decisions. Fearing that the people would return to Jerusalem to worship, he established golden calves in Bethel and Dan, created unauthorized priests, and devised a religion of his own making. Pastor Allen warned against choosing convenience over obedience and encouraged believers to seek a church that remains faithful to God’s Word rather than merely one that is convenient. Jeroboam’s downfall demonstrated the danger of trusting personal schemes instead of trusting the Lord.

Concluding the chapter, Pastor Allen emphasized that true wisdom seeks God’s wisdom, God’s will, God’s way, and God’s heart. The lives of Rehoboam and Jeroboam served as powerful warnings against pride, self-reliance, and disregarding godly counsel. The message challenged believers to choose God, trust God, listen to wise counsel, and walk in humble obedience to His Word.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

Scripture References: 1 Kings 12:1-33; James 1:5; Proverbs 11:14; Zechariah 4:6; Galatians 3:1-3; Genesis 12:6-7; Genesis 32:24-30; Genesis 33:18-20; Genesis 35:4; Joshua 24:15.

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