On the run from Saul, David had provided security detail for the sheep of a wealthy man named Nabal. When David learned that Nabal was shearing those sheep and celebrating with a feast, he sent ten of his men to politely ask for food as remuneration for these duties (vv. 4–8).

Nabal’s response to David’s request was beyond rude. He said, “Who is David? . . . Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?” (vv. 10–11). He broke the hospitality code of the day by not inviting David to the feast, disrespected him by calling out insults, and essentially stole from him by not paying him for his work.

The truth is, we all have a little bit of Nabal in us. We act foolishly at times. The only cure for this is to acknowledge our sin to God. He will step in to forgive us, instruct us, and give us His wisdom.

I’m selfish sometimes, Lord. I get more concerned with what I need than what others need. Give me a heart of integrity and compassion. Amen.

I must be honest, when I read this my first response was, this doesn’t apply to me but then it provoked a self check and I quickly realized I too have been guilty of being a Nabal. My prayer for today is that we all do a self check and ask God to help us overcome whatever area of sin, big or small, we struggle with. He truly will step in, forgive, instruct and give us His wisdom. We first have to be honest with ourselves, willing and obedient. When we are honest with ourselves, we allow room for growth and in return we can make a difference not only in our lives but in those lives we touch.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is 1 Samuel 25:1-12