4. “Your father Solomon forced us to work very hard. But if you make our work easier, we will serve you and do whatever you ask.”
5. “Give me three days to think about it,” Rehoboam replied, “then come back for my answer.” So the people left.
6. Rehoboam went to some leaders who had been his father's senior officials, and he asked them, “What should I tell these people?”
7. They answered, “If you want them to serve and obey you, then you should do what they ask today. Tell them you will make their work easier.”
8. But Rehoboam refused their advice and went to the younger men who had grown up with him and were now his officials.
9. He asked, “What do you think I should say to these people who asked me to make their work easier?”
10. His younger advisers said:Here's what we think you should say to them: “Compared to me, my father was weak.
11. He made you work hard, but I'll make you work even harder. He punished you with whips, but I'll use whips with pieces of sharp metal!”
12. Three days later, Jeroboam and the others came back.
13. Rehoboam ignored the advice of the older advisers.