A Wise Heart

Nabal’s Wickedness (vv. 1-11)

Nabal was a churlish, stubborn man. His name meant futile, void, empty, foolish.

He is wealthy, but is also greedy.

He was a man who did not consider God in his business dealings.

Psalm 14:1 ESV

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Nabal = “fool”

David’s Wrath (vv. 12-13)

David has been wronged once more. He had done good to the house of Saul and was rewarded with evil. Now he has done good to Nabal and is being disrespected.

He responds to this slight with vengeance. He is about to transform his group of men into vigilantes.

He had responded appropriately to Saul, but now his is blinded by rage. His frustration at his circumstances has caused him to disregard God’s still small voice.

Abigail’s Wisdom (vv. 18-31)

Abigail is warned by her husband’s servants, who praise David and his men.

Her Wise Preparation (18-19)

She acted quickly.

She acted in her husband and her household’s best interest even though she did not tell him.

Proverbs 31:12 ESV

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

Prov. 31:

Her Wise Petition (23-28)

With 401 hungry, angry men bearing down on her she bravely made her appeal.

She addressed the problem directly. (24)

Don’t avoid conflict, but address it head on. Deal with the issue.

She took responsibility for the situation, even though she was not personally at fault.

Much like Christ, who did no sin, bore our guilt in our place.

She made restitution and asked for forgiveness.

It is hard to argue with

Her Wise Perspective (29-31)

She reminded David of God’s Purpose - he was David’s protector.

She reminded David of God’s promise - he would bring David to the throne.

Don’t mar the work of God in your life in a moment of anger.

God’s Working (vv. 32-39)

He sent Abigail to prevent David from sinning.

Here is the moment of David’s wisdom, as he listens to the wise counsel of Abigail.

We need people in our lives who can tell us when we are wrong.

He dealt with Nabal.