ODJ: costly mistakes
July 10, 2011
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences (Proverbs 27:12).
READ: 1 Samuel 25:1-35
As I was recently reading through 1 Samuel, my favorite book of the Bible, I was gripped by the run-in David had with Nabal (1 Samuel 25). David and his men were camped in a desert where Nabal was shearing his sheep. So he sent a message to Nabal, reminding him of how he had generously protected his shepherds in the past and did not steal anything from them. In return, David asked Nabal to give him and his men whatever supplies he could spare (vv.8-9).
Nabal was a “crude and mean” man who cared only about himself (v.3). When he heard David’s request, he completely snubbed him. Nabal acted as if he didn’t know who David was, and even went as far as to insult David, suggesting that he might have been a runaway servant (vv.10-11).
David was ticked off when he learned of Nabal’s reply. He ordered his men to get their swords as he strapped on his own. Armed and angry, he and 400 of his men set out to take by force what they needed from Nabal (vv.12-13).
When Nabal’s wife, Abigail, learned what her husband had said, she knew big trouble was brewing. So she immediately gathered a bunch of supplies and rode out to meet the incensed David (vv.20-22). She pleaded with David to overlook her husband’s foolishness and to avoid burdening his conscience with “needless bloodshed” (vv.23-31). David praised Abigail for her good judgment and called off the attack (vv.32-35). Were it not for her brave and wise intervention, he would have made a costly mistake.
Maybe you’re considering lashing out at someone who has wronged you? Don’t react rashly and make a costly mistake. Take Abigail’s wise advice to heart and let God deal with the one who has offended you (Romans 12:19-21).
—Jeff Olson
What happens when we ignore God’s instruction and attempt to right wrongs on our own? How is He glorified when we pursue peace instead of costly mistakes?
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