SATURDAY August 31, 2019
Man’s Rash Anger
So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words.Then David said to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.” So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.
1 Samuel 25:12-13
David and his men had protected Nabal’s servants and flocks without asking for anything. After some time, David decided to send some of his young men to ask Nabal for needed supplies. He expected a graceful answer as they had been good to Nabal; surely he would show them goodness in return. When David’s men arrived, they greeted Nabal, but he treated them shamefully. Nabal was full of pride. He insulted David’s character and sent his men away empty-handed.
When they returned to David and told him what had happened, David instantly became angry. Nabal’s unkindness caused David to act rashly. He immediately prepared his men to attack Nabal and his household––he made the decision to kill them.
Yet David’s actions amazed me, as I looked to the past. David would not touch King Saul because he was God’s anointed. However, this foolish man Nabal, in rash anger, David would seek to destroy. Examine the actions of his hasty decision. Did David really need all four hundred men to come against Nabal and his household? Think about it! Nabal was not worth it! I believe Satan tried to entrap David––to wreck his witness, by causing him to act rashly.
It is never wise to act or speak rashly; it can cause anger and strife. It is easy for situations to escalate and become heated. When angry, it is wise to take a walk and pray, so with God’s help, you can calm down. Then you can use words of wisdom to bring about a calm solution––peace.
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.
~Proverbs 12:18~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!