In looking again at 1 Samuel 25, we see that Nabal acted rashly toward David's emissaries. The account doesn't tell us that Nabal consulted any of his men about the truth of the men's claims that they had been guarding his shepherds through the winter. Had he consulted his shepherds, they would have told him the truth of the matter. So, not only does Nabal send them away without basic hospitality (about which he could have consulted his wife Abigail), but also without verifying their claims (about which he could have consulted his shepherds).
In response, David too acts rashly. He is immediately incensed at Nabal's refusal and has his men take up their swords with the intent of marching to Carmel and slaying all of Nabal's men. The record does not show that David stopped to pray or to consult anyone about the appropriate response. No, David sets out to take vengeance against not just Nabal but all the men belonging with Nabal.
For Reflection: Do I consult others before I make important decisions? Do I ask God for wisdom? Have I taken vengeance into my own hands?
Let us pray. Jesus, you are the seat of all wisdom. You know everything. You know people's hearts, including the hearts of those who have harmed me. It was not right for me to take vengeance into my own hands. I repent of doing that. I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of those whom I hurt.
In response, David too acts rashly. He is immediately incensed at Nabal's refusal and has his men take up their swords with the intent of marching to Carmel and slaying all of Nabal's men. The record does not show that David stopped to pray or to consult anyone about the appropriate response. No, David sets out to take vengeance against not just Nabal but all the men belonging with Nabal.
For Reflection: Do I consult others before I make important decisions? Do I ask God for wisdom? Have I taken vengeance into my own hands?
Let us pray. Jesus, you are the seat of all wisdom. You know everything. You know people's hearts, including the hearts of those who have harmed me. It was not right for me to take vengeance into my own hands. I repent of doing that. I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of those whom I hurt.
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