3
So the people sent for Jeroboam. He and all of the people went to Rehoboam. They said to him,
4
"Your father put a heavy load on our shoulders. But now make our hard work easier. Make the heavy load on us lighter. Then we'll serve you."
5
Rehoboam answered, "Come back to me in three days." So the people went away.
6
Then King Rehoboam asked the elders for advice. They had served his father Solomon while he was still living. Rehoboam asked them, "What advice can you give me? How should I answer these people?"
7
They replied, "Be kind to them. Please them. Give them what they are asking for. Then they'll always serve you."