Desire Godly wisdom

Have you ever faced difficult circumstances that- needed you to address and where no principle from any book you may have read applies? We draw lessons on wisdom from Abigail as we see her delicately but wisely navigate a difficult situation, that would have left all the males in her household dead. This is from the book of 1 Samuel 25:2-44.

A favorite quote whose author is unknown reads-that a smart person knows what to say, but a wise person knows whether or not to say it. There are times that we have to deal persons that have been cultured in a different way than we have. Haman picked a fight with Mordecai for being of a different faith and belief system. In some cases, we may find ourselves in situations that need us to “think on our feet” and make swift decisions. Or its finding ourselves caught in between differing strong opinions and we are the only peacemaker that can make a quick balanced decision and without usurping someone else position or taking sides. Or it could be outright dealing with difficult people but still being able to win them over gracefully.  

Should I have said that? Or should I have done that? The Spirit of God will always speak to our conscience -rebuking us in love when required. It is for us to be sensitive as God not only leads us by His Holy spirit but also chastens those He loves. Hence if you have wondered if you acted or spoke wisely at any point, you can rest in His word -that as a child of God he gives you wisdom even before you ask. We read in Proverbs 9:10 that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding. The reference to beginning in this verse means there is a lot more available for us. So, when faced with uniquely difficult circumstances, we can approach God and ask for wisdom. He has promised to give generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5).

 Oops, boss gaffed!

Abigail was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was married to Nabal, a wealthy man described as surly and mean. It was a custom for there to be a feast whenever sheep were being sheared. Not only was it a time of a good cheer and joy, but also more than ordinary hospitality. Thus when David heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep, he  sent him a message as written in  1Samuel 25 :6-8 “ And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have! ⁷ Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. ⁸ Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore ^[a]let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please- give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’

Nabal, feigning ignorance arrogantly called a bluff, the national hero-the who had delivered Israel from Goliath, the same one who had been sung for praises for killing tens of thousands and King Saul’s son in law. David seethed with anger purposing to kill not just Nabal but all males in his household. Abigail silently but swiftly prepared the food and went to put out the fire. She apologized on Nabal’s behalf and pleaded with David to accept the food. In the end her household was saved.

Keeping silent may be the wise thing to do in some instances but other times may need us to act just like Abigail. Perhaps we have a different opinion with perhaps a business partner, a group of friends, colleagues, our leaders or even a parent. When we seek God’s wisdom, He puts the right words in our mouth and we will not have usurped their position of authority nor acted disrespectfully. Pursuing wisdom may then lead to a win for all parties. Abigail may have appeared as overstepping her authority but in reality, she acted submissively waiting until Nabal had sobered up from his night of drinking to report all she had been up to. Remember that when God gives us wisdom it is laced with purity, it is also peace loving such that at the end of the matter all will be at peace, it is considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere according to James 3:17.

Few people enjoy bland food. Our speech ought not to be bland but instead should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each person- (Colossians 4:6). Abigail not only knew how to speak and act towards David- the future King but also her husband who had insulted David.

Wisdom may call for us to walk away from an argument or a fight and instead address matters with God. Nothing, can match watching God fight for you. Abigail was quick to wisely remind David that as God’s choice of a king for Israel, it was best for him not to sin and have innocent blood on his hands. For the discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11. David listened. It was God who later struck Nabal with stroke that led to his death.

Book knowledge might tell us when to apply our emotional intelligence over our IQ -depending on the set up of the interpersonal interactions. Just a simple google search and you will find numerous authors on that topic alone. And while some, if not many, may have the privilege of getting some level of education, there are situations such as Abigail’s- that no amount of acquired knowledge can help us navigate,unless we are to receive Godly wisdom. This is available to us whenever we ask.

And just when you think you have it all figured out, check again with God and ask for more.