From Seers, Sayers, Schemers & Saints, a look at one of the schemers. His unfortunate story is found in 1 Kings 12:

Have you ever had to give a speech? Most people hate public speaking. In fact, it’s often number one on the lists of things people fear the most. The dread of getting up in front of people and saying something stupid keeps most of us in our seats. We don’t want to look silly and we’re afraid we’ll blow it. Well, don’t worry, because you cannot possibly do any worse than Rehoboam did when giving his first speech as the new king of Israel. Rarely have so few words cost a ruler so much. A fool and his kingdom were soon parted.

Rehoboam, son of the legendary Solomon, failed to inherit one ounce of his father’s wisdom. Arrogant and spoiled, Rehoboam waited for years to grasp the reins of power. When his moment finally arrived, Rehoboam brought neither the sagacity of his father nor the communion with the Lord of his grandfather, David. Instead, he brought along his youthful advisors looking to take advantage of their new positions in the entourage of the king. With them came a certain expectation that the kingdom existed for their pleasure and the kingdom’s subjects for their purposes. Raised in wealth and comfort, denied little in their adolescent lifestyles, these young men neither listened to sound advice nor dispensed any. Rejecting the guidance of Solomon’s counselors, Rehoboam embraced the strategy of this youthful cohort. He chose poorly. Few lines in the Bible drip with such arrogance and disdain as Rehoboam’s first speech to the nation’s leaders. “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” Not waiting around for the scorpions, ten of the twelve tribes of Israel immediately turned their backs on Rehoboam and crowned a new king. The magnificent kingdom of Israel, at the height of its glory and wealth, split forever after a single speech.

From this episode brought to us by Rehoboam and his gaggle of haughty advisors we find a lot to learn. First, nobody owes you his or her allegiance. You earn it. You may be given the title of “boss,” but you earn the title of “leader.” Second, learn to listen to the wise voices in your life. Often, older, more experienced women and men bring sound thinking into difficult decisions. Be sure to find and cultivate relationships with these types of mentors. Third, people asking honest questions, like we hear from the leaders of Israel, deserve thoughtful responses, not harsh edicts. Show some humility and enter into the world of those you’re leading, or might soon be leading. Kindness and understanding will get you further than rudeness and bullying. From Rehoboam we learn how to fail as a leader when confronted with challenging questions from the people under our leadership. Do the opposite of Rehoboam. Listen, ask questions, and seek to understand. Request and consider the wisdom of others. Be thoughtful in your responses.

Finally, never promise a future filled with scorpions. People choose to whom they will give their good will and affections. Rehoboam’s words were those of a slave master, not those of a visionary leader to follow into the future. People won’t leave you over a bad speech. You’ll be forgiven for stumbling during a talk. However, people will leave due to your bad character. Positive, humble, strong-hearted leaders are rare. Grow in these characteristics and you won’t need to worry so much about your public speaking.