Have you ever watched a hard word turn a small disagreement into a lasting rift? Maybe you wanted to be respected, so you tightened your grip, raised your voice, or refused to bend. Pride can feel like strength in the moment, but afterward it often leaves us lonely and divided. Rehoboam did that with a whole nation in 1 Kings 12. When he ignored wise counsel and answered with harshness, the kingdom split and everyone paid the price.