This Proverb includes many warnings about what wicked or ruthless leaders can do to their people. We are seeing evidence of this as you hear reports of what is happening to the people inside Iran. There are reports of Christians around the world who are constantly under attack or pressure from their government. Even petty things come up sometimes that can be quite frustrating for people. I have been watching the World Cup soccer tournament (Go USA), and the team from Uruguay was eliminated and their leaders cancelled their charter flight home and told them to find their own commercial flights back.
Solomon's son would have been wise to read this section carefully and take heed to the advice of what type of leader he should be. His son Rehoboam had a chance to be a good leader and care for his people. The people came to him and asked for relief from heavy tax burdens and forced labor. His wise older advisors told him to listen to the people, lighten their load, and the people would show loyalty. His younger friends- people his own age- encouraged him to demonstrate his power and rule with even greater authority. He chose to listen to the unwise and as a result there was rebellion and ultimately the kingdom ends up splitting in two.
When we consider leaders we also must consider who their advisors are. Are the people giving wise counsel tot he King? Are they encouraging right decisions? The best leaders will surround themselves with people with who will give wise advice, even if it is not necessarily what they want to hear. Many bad leaders have surrounded themselves with advisors who just repeat what the leaders wants to hear- whether it is wise or not. We may or may not be leaders in different areas in our lives, but we need to surround ourselves with people who will gives us good advice even if it is not what we want to hear. We need to learn to appreciate wise counsel.