10
The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
8
But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.
9
“What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?”
10
The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
11
Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’”
12
Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered.