And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
And they said to him, 'If you are kind to these people, make them happy, and speak encouraging words to them, they will serve you faithfully forever.'
The advisors are telling the new king that treating people with kindness and respect will earn their lasting loyalty and service.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, this verse occurs during the transition of power from King Solomon to his son Rehoboam, as the people of Israel sought relief from the heavy taxes and forced labor imposed during Solomon's reign. The elder advisors, drawing from their experience, urged Rehoboam to show kindness and speak positively to the people to secure their long-term loyalty. This advice highlighted the cultural value of wise leadership in ancient Israel, where a king's responsiveness could maintain national unity.
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