God’s shepherding wisdom

This chapter revolves around sheep: both the 2-legged and 4-legged variety. Neither variety is known for their good sense (Isaiah 53:6).
We learn that human foolishness ends with dire consequences, while Godly wisdom keeps us safe (Proverbs 2:12, Proverbs 7:24-26).
God’s sovereignty and His shepherding role in David’s life are highly visible (Psalm 31:15, Psalm 23:1).
God works through a God-fearing woman to help foolish men (wisdom is personified as a woman in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:20, Proverbs 8:1)).
Below you will find a summary of the chapter; an in-depth look at each of the characters; a summary of what we learn about God; followed by some takeaway points.

1 Samuel 25 records an incident in David’s life after Samuel’s death, during the years he spent hiding from Saul in the wilderness.
In the story, David goes above and beyond to protect a local businessman’s flock of sheep and his shepherds (1 Samuel 25:7, 1 Samuel 25:15-16).
David’s goodwill turns sour when the arrogant businessman – Nabal, refuses to show goodwill in return to David and his men (1 Samuel 25:10-11).
David loses his temper and plans to kill Nabal and his entire household (1 Samuel 25:22).
God works sovereignly through Nabal’s wife – Abigail – to speak words of wisdom to a hotheaded David (1 Samuel 25:32-33).
David is responsive, he sees his folly, he’s honest about his folly, and he backs down on his plan to avenge (1 Samuel 25:34-35).
In God’s timing and in God’s way – Nabal reaps the fruits of his unrighteousness (1 Samuel 25:37-38).
David and Abigail subsequently become united in marriage (1 Samuel 25:40, 1 Samuel 25:42).

David shows kindness towards the shepherds and flocks by providing them with care and protection in the wilderness.
David was familiar with the life of a shepherd from his boyhood years – he could empathize with their working life (1 Samuel 17:34).
We can’t know for sure David’s intentions for helping the shepherds. Was it a selfless act? Was he doing it to gain something in return from Nabal their master? His words would suggest the latter (1 Samuel 25:21).
Rather than displaying meekness, David let his feelings get the better of him when he learned about Nabal’s refusal to show kindness (Matthew 5:39-40).
David turned from Mr Nice Guy into a raging madman planning on killing Nabal and his entire household.
David decided to take matters into his own hands and avenge Nabal – instead of leaving it to God (Romans 12:19).
David demonstrated responsiveness to Godly wisdom when Abigail spoke truth to him (see Proverbs 9:9).
David saw his own foolishness and repented.
This temporary display of anger and hatred is in vivid contrast to the mercy David showed Saul before and after this incident. (Proverbs 14:1).

Nabal’s name means “fool” – his name reflects his nature.
He is portrayed as an arrogant, coldhearted, sensuous man who does not listen to others or appreciate help from others.
Nabal embodies the life and lot of a wicked man who God allows to prosper temporarily (Psalm 73:4-12, Psalm 73:18-20).
Nabal had a smart beautiful wife and wealth – but he lacked the Greatest Treasure (see Matthew 6:19-21).
In God’s time and in God’s way – God judged Nabal for his actions and he died (Romans 2:5).
There are parallels between Nabal and us when we ignore God’s call to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus, choosing instead to continue in our foolish unbelief and self-centered agendas (John 3:18-19).

Abigail is described as beautiful and discerning – her real outstanding beauty is the hidden person of the heart (1 Peter 3:3).
Abigail embodies the woman who fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:10-31).
She doesn’t allow external things to control her. Though she is a wealthy woman she isn’t spoilt by materialism. Though she is married to a very unChristlike husband, she does not display bitterness towards him, neither is she quarrelsome towards him (1 Peter 3:4).
Abigail is approachable and willing to roll her sleeves up and apply herself when duty calls (Proverbs 31:20, Proverbs 31:15, Proverbs 31:19, Proverbs 31: 27).
She cares for the lives of others – her husband, her household, David, David’s men (Proverbs 31:12, Proverbs 31:20)
She displays remarkable discernment and wisdom – knowing when to act, knowing when to wait.
God gives her great understanding and insight into David’s life and David’s purpose. (Proverbs 31:16, Proverbs 31:18).
Abigail displays great courage by saddling up and heading out into the wilderness to meet a man who had murder on his mind (Proverbs 31:25, 1 Peter 3:6).
She shows great humility in her actions and words (Proverbs 16:21).
She demonstrates Christ-likeness by interceding for her foolish husband, and by her willingness to take the blame for the sins of another (1 Timothy 2:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
She feeds David with wisdom – the real food he needed (Matthew 4:4).

God is the Great Shepherd in the story watching over David (Psalm 23:1, Psalm 31:15).
Through Nabal’s arrogance, God exposed the unrighteousness in David’s heart (Proverbs 27:3, Proverbs 12:16).
God sees that David is in a “danger zone” and about to sin, and provides David with a way of escape (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
In this “man’s world”, God used a woman to fulfill His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27).
God demonstrates that His sovereign plans for David can never be thwarted (Psalm 93:1, Psalm 138:8, Psalm 31:15).
God shows that he keeps His promises – in His timing He avenged Nabal for his actions (Jeremiah 1:12).

Whatever our circumstances we shouldn’t forget God, but live constantly in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 19:23, Proverbs 14:27).
Stay safe by storing up Godly wisdom, putting on Godly wisdom, and disciplining feelings (Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 8:14-15, Proverbs 25:28, Proverbs 16:32).
We should keep our intentions pure – working wholeheartedly for God’s glory, not for self-gain (Colossians 3:23).
We should be willing to warn a brother or sister in Christ, and humbly speak truth to them (Ephesians 4:15, Galatians 6:1)
We should willingly receive warnings, rebukes or instruction from our brothers and sisters in Christ (Proverbs 25:12, Proverbs 10:8).
We should trust in God’s promises, and submit to His authority over our lives. Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we must wait for the Lord and He will deliver us (Isaiah 40:31).
We marvel at the Lord Jesus’ sovereign hand over the universe and over history, at the same time we can rest in His shepherding role in our personal lives (Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:17, John 10:16)