1 Kings 12:7

And they said to him, If you will be a servant to this people today, caring for them and giving them a gentle answer, then they will be your servants for ever.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

6Then King Rehoboam took the opinion of the old men who had been with Solomon his father when he was living, and said, In your opinion, what answer am I to give to this people?

8But he gave no attention to the opinion of the old men, and went to the young men of his generation who were waiting before him:

Read all of 1 Kings 12

Cross References

1 Kings 12:13And the king gave them a rough answer, giving no attention to the suggestion of the old men;

2 Chronicles 10:7And they said to him, If you are kind to this people, pleasing them and saying good words to them, then they will be your servants for ever.

Ecclesiastes 10:4If the wrath of the ruler is against you, keep in your place; in him who keeps quiet even great sins may be overlooked.

Mark 10:43But it is not so among you: but whoever has a desire to become great among you, let him be your servant:

Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 12:2-16

The Folly of Rehoboam. ( b. c. 975.) 1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) 3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Kings 12:7