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.
And they spoke to him, saying, 'If you will be a servant to this people today, and serve them, and listen to them, and speak kindly to them, then they will be your servants forever.'
The wise elders are telling the young king that true leadership comes through serving others first - if you serve your people well, they will gladly serve you in return.
📚 Historical Context
This advice came from the older, experienced advisors to young King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, who had just become king after his father's death. The people of Israel had come to Rehoboam asking him to lighten the heavy burdens and harsh labor that Solomon had placed on them. These elder statesmen understood that lasting leadership requires humility and service to one's people.
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