1 Samuel 18:5

A WISE YOUNG KING

‘David behaved himself wisely.’

1 Samuel 18:5; 1 Samuel 18:14

There must be some strong reason for the fourfold repetition of this phrase in so short a space. It is as though the Holy Ghost would lay very distinct stress on the Divine prudence and circumspection which must characterise the man whose life is hid in God. Let us walk with God, abiding in Him, subjecting our thoughts and plans to His, communing about all things with Him, talking over our lives with Him before we go out to live them in the presence of our fellows. Then we too shall have this gracious wisdom, which is more moral than intellectual, the product of the grace of God rather than of human culture.

I. Our life shall commend itself to men.—David’s was good in the sight of all the people and, more wonderful still, in the sight of Saul’s servants, who might have been jealous. Be sure that a life lived in God disarms jealousy and envy.

II. Our life shall rebuke and awe our foes.—Saul stood in awe of him. When traps and snares are laid for us we shall be enabled to thread our way through them all, as Jesus did when they tried to entangle Him in His talk.

III. Our name will be precious (v. 30).—People loved to dwell on David’s; it was much set by; they noticed and were impressed with the beauty and nobility of his character. Let us so live that our name also may be precious for the honour of the name of our Lord.

Illustrations

(1) ‘David behaved wisely because “the Lord was with him,” and the Lord continued to be with and to prosper him because “he behaved wisely in all his ways,” because he trusted only in God, seeking simply to know and to do His will. With consummate prudence, in true loyalty of soul, he fulfils every mandate of the king, adds to his high repute as a warrior and leader, and augments the good-will and draws forth the commendations of the people, by the fuller manifestation of his inherently devout and kingly spirit.’

(2) ‘David’s prudence. (1) Amid the perils of sudden prosperity. The shepherd-youth honoured with the friendship of the prince, the plaudits of the multitude, military command, the prospect of entering the royal family—but he behaved wisely and prospered all the more. “Those that climb fast have need of good heads and good hearts.” “Honour shows the man.… He is out of the danger of folly, whom a speedy advancement leaveth wise.” (Comp. Joseph and Daniel.) (2) Amid the plots of jealous rivals—Saul, the courtiers—but he avoids the javelin of rage, and foils the cunning of hypocrisy. (3) Amid provocations to wrath, by promises broken, and fresh demands. The brilliant young warrior and poet as prudent as a sage statesman—for “ the Lord was with him.” ’

(3) ‘How wise it would have been for Saul to bind the son of Jesse to himself! Nothing could have been easier or more politic. But instead, Saul allowed his mad passion to smoulder always in his heart, sometimes breaking out into more fierce and bitter flame, and always affording an open door for Satan to enter into him. What a variety of methods jealousy will use to rid itself of its rival! Saul first threw the javelin, believing that the act would be imputed to his madness. Then he put David in positions of extreme peril. Next he incited his servants to take David’s life. But all were abortive. David seemed to live a charmed life; and every effort that Saul made against him was but a stepping-stone to a stronger position. Balak may bribe Balaam to curse Israel, but how shall he curse whom God hath not cursed, or defy whom the Lord hath not defied? “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise in judgment against thee shalt thou condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord” ’ (Isaiah 54:17).