“And
David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.” (v.14)
Four
times in 1 Samuel 18, the writer tells us that David "behaved wisely"
(vv.5,14,15,30). In fact, he behaved "more wisely than all the servants of
Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed" (v.30).
The
phrase "highly esteemed" suggests an unusual respect. David was not
only honored by all the people but more significantly, he was highly respected
by those in Saul's court who were impressed by his noble character. As we come
to know Jesus through obedience to His Word, we too will begin to display
qualities of character that set us apart from others.
James
said, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and
without hypocrisy" (3:17). This gracious way of making our way through the
world can come only "from above."
David's experience
can be ours as well, for God's promise to him is also true for us today.
The Truth
"I
will instruct you [cause you to be wise] and teach you in the way you should
go" (Psalm 32:8)
