New American Bible, Revised Edition

2 Chronicles 10:7-13 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

7. They replied, “If you will deal kindly with this people and please them, giving them a favorable reply, they will be your servants forever.”

8. But he ignored the advice the elders had given him and asked advice of the young men who had grown up with him and were in his service.

9. He said to them, “What answer do you advise us to give this people, who have told me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father imposed on us’?”

10. The young men who had grown up with him replied: “This is what you must say to this people who have told you, ‘Your father laid a heavy yoke on us; lighten it for us.’ You must say, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.

11. My father put a heavy yoke on you; I will make it heavier. My father beat you with whips; I will use scorpions!’”

12. On the third day, Jeroboam and the whole people came back to King Rehoboam as the king had instructed them: “Come back to me in three days.”

13. Ignoring the advice the elders had given him, King Rehoboam gave the people a harsh answer.