David Behaved Himself Wisely
Living a life in God is the key to true wisdom, which brings benefits such as commending ourselves to men, rebuking and awe our foes, and having a precious name.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of behaving wisely as exemplified by David in 1 Samuel. The repeated phrase highlights the importance of divine prudence and the necessity of walking closely with God, allowing His grace to shape our lives. A life lived in communion with God not only earns the respect of others but also disarms jealousy and awe in the face of adversaries. Meyer encourages believers to reflect on their actions and character, ensuring they align with the honor of God's name. Ultimately, wisdom from God is portrayed as a moral strength that transcends mere intellect.
Text
David behaved himself wisely. 1 Sam, xviii. 5, 14, 15, 30.
THERE must be some strong reason for the four‑fold 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.
Our life shall commend itself to men (5). ‑‑ 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. A life lived in God disarms jealousy and envy. He who, as a boy, did his Father's business increased in wisdom, and in favour with God and men.
Our life shall rebuke and awe our foes (15). ‑‑ 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. We shall have a wisdom which all our foes together shall not be able to gainsay or resist.
Our name will be precious (30). ‑‑ People loved to dwell on the name of David; it was much set by; they noticed and were impressed with the beauty and nobility of his character. We must always view our lives, amusements, and undertakings, in the light of the result which will accrue to Him whose name it is our privilege to bear.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Wisdom
- The Benefits of Wisdom
- The Result of Wisdom
- Our name will be precious
- Our life shall rebuke and awe our foes
Key Quotes
“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.” — F.B. Meyer
“He who, as a boy, did his Father's business increased in wisdom, and in favour with God and men.” — F.B. Meyer
“A life lived in God disarms jealousy and envy.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- As we live our lives, we must always view our actions, amusements, and undertakings in the light of the result which will accrue to Him whose name it is our privilege to bear.
- We must subject our thoughts and plans to God's, and commune with Him about all things, in order to live a life of wisdom.
- A life lived in God disarms jealousy and envy, and commends itself to men.