Daily Devotional for Wednesday 17th January
The Path of Foolishness
It’s worth noting that before we get into the story of Nabal and his wife Abigail, that in verse one of this chapter, it records the death of Samuel “and all Israel gathered together and mourned him”.
This chapter tells the story of a foolish man and a wise woman.
While David and his men were on the run from King Saul, they spent some time in the wilderness of Carmal. They helped protect the man, Nabal’s flocks, and when it came time for the shearing, which traditionally would have been a time of celebration and feasting, David sent 10 men to ask for a blessing from Nabal for their help. David very politely, first blessing Nabal and wishing peace on him and his house, and then asking for a gift “whatever you have at hand” for himself and his men.
Nabal was a rich man. He could have easily given some food and provisions to David and his men, and genuinely said thank you for how they had conducted themselves around his livestock and people. But he didn’t. Instead, he sent back an insulting message – to David, who was one of Israel’s strongest warriors! Not a smart move.
A righteous, wise person would have seen the opportunity to bless others, to be generous (and he had enough it wouldn’t have been a hardship), and to not speak insultingly to anyone. A wise man would have also considered the consequences of insulting a band of warriors!
When we speak, we reveal what is in our hearts. Nabal revealed that he was a selfish, mean man.
When we live our lives righteously before God and people, then goodness and graciousness should flow from our hands. We shouldn’t have grasping hands or hearts.
Time to reflect…
We can look at our own lives and hearts and ask God where we are not being generous, where we are trying to grasp onto things or where we aren’t having open hands that bless others.
We can trust God, that no matter how generous or giving our hands are, that He will fill them up to overflowing again! His word promises that. Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you in return.”
Pause to pray…
Father God, we are so thankful that You are generous and gracious! Thank You for giving your own life so that we could be forgiven of our sins, redeemed, make spiritually alive in You, and live with You for eternity. After that, how can we not seek to give in return. Please help us to live our lives with open hands that are gracious towards others and mouths that speak Your name, dear Jesus, Amen.
