Feb 11 by Arlene Lanting.
1 Samuel 25. David comes out of hiding to attend the celebration for Samuel's life at his death. Afterwards he goes south to the Desert of Paran. His servants become acquainted with Nabal's men as they look over their sheep in the same territory. David's men are respectful to Nabal's men and provide protection to Nabal's men and sheep.
David's men ask Nabal if they can join the sheep shearing festival he is holding and get help to shear David's sheep. Nabal rudely answers that he has no idea who David is, and assumes he is a cheat, and will not help him.
One of Nabal's men go to Nabal's wife Abigail and tells her that he feels something bad could happen after Nabal spoke so rudely to David's men, especially given how well they treated Nabal's men. Abigail quickly responds by gathering food that has been readied for the festival, and sends her men ahead. She follows behind. They find an angry David. Abigail gets on her knees and bows with her face to the ground. She gently suggests that a rash action of David to Nabal's foolish behaviour would bring blood to David's hands that he may greatly regret. David is moved by Abigail's humble yet wise message and turns back., accepting Abigail's advise.
David is spared committing a sin against God and his people. Abigail was able to reach past David's anger, emotionally disarming him. David immediately sees the folly of his ways.
Nabal becomes ill after Abigail tells him what has happened. He later dies. This reinforces to David how close he came to making a huge mistake. He asks Abigail to marry him, an indication of the respect he had for her. It was not customary for women to be given a choice in marriage.
Lessons about wisdom:
#1: Stay calm, don't panic. Abigail did not hesitate to respond and face David. She used food to put her words into action. Isaiah 7:4 Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart...
#2: Humble yourself despite threats. Abigail's humility disarmed David, allowing him to lessen his rage and hear the Holy Spirit's leading. James 3:17: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
#3. Trust God. There was no way for Abigail to know how David was to respond to her. Yet she did not waver in her courage and tenacity. She did not allow delays in buts or what ifs. This surely was the strength of the Lord with her. Proverbs 3:5,6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
#4. Honesty. Abigail did not hide the truth from her husband, though she did choose a wise time to tell him what happened. She had no way of knowing how he would respond. 1 John 3:1: Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
#5. Do not assume where you will and where you will not find wisdom. Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.