Old Testament
2 Chronicles 10:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and followed the advice of the young men instead. He told them, "My father burdened you with a heavy yoke, and I'll make it even heavier. My father disciplined you with whips, but I'll discipline you with scorpions."
Compare translations
And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
What 2 Chronicles 10:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the new king chooses to ignore the wisdom of the older advisors and instead listens to the younger ones. He decides to increase the burden on the people, claiming that his father's rule was too lenient. By saying he will discipline them with 'scorpions,' he implies that his approach will be harsher and more painful. This decision reflects a lack of understanding of leadership and compassion. Instead of easing the people's struggles, he opts for a path that could lead to greater resentment and division. His choice serves as a warning about the consequences of arrogance and the importance of listening to wise counsel. Leadership is not just about authority; it’s about serving the people and understanding their needs. This moment illustrates how power can corrupt and lead to poor decisions that affect many lives. The king's harsh words foreshadow a troubled reign and the potential for conflict ahead, highlighting the need for empathy in leadership roles.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 10:14 to your life
Consider how your decisions impact others. Are you listening to wise advice or acting out of pride? Leadership requires humility and understanding. Strive to lighten the load for those around you rather than adding to their struggles. Empathy can transform relationships and foster unity in any community or organization you are part of.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 10:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Chronicles 10:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 10:14 mean?
2 Chronicles 10:14 describes a new king who chooses to ignore the advice of older, wiser counselors and instead follows the guidance of younger advisors. He decides to increase the burdens on his people, indicating a harsh and uncompromising leadership style.
What is the significance of the phrase 'discipline you with scorpions' in 2 Chronicles 10:14?
The phrase 'discipline you with scorpions' signifies a promise of harsher treatment compared to his father's rule. It suggests that the new king intends to impose severe penalties and make life more difficult for the people.
How does 2 Chronicles 10:14 relate to leadership?
2 Chronicles 10:14 serves as a cautionary tale about leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening to wise advice and understanding the needs of the people. It shows how poor decisions can lead to resentment and division.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Chronicles 10:14?
From 2 Chronicles 10:14, we learn the importance of humility in leadership and the need to consider the impact of our decisions on others. It encourages leaders to strive for empathy and to lighten the burdens of those they serve.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.