How to Suffer Fools

Without strapping on your sword

David had a simple request for the wealthy businessman Nabal. He and his men had taken care of Nabal’s shepherds in Carmel, so he asked for provisions in return. This would have been a reasonable request and even expected request in this culture, but Nabal not only refuses to give David food, he insults him by saying “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” (1 Samuel 25:10–11)

At this point, David is quite famous for killing Goliath, but even without his notoriety David’s response to this insult feels justified. He straps on his sword and orders his men to do the same. When we feel wronged, especially in such a foolish manner, it’s natural to want to want to take our revenge. Our rage feels righteous, even when it isn’t.

What I find so terrifying about David’s response is how similar it is to what he said when he saw Goliath.

“And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)

Compare that to what he said about Nabal.

“Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.” (1 Samuel 25:21–22)

The difference, of course, is that when facing Goliath David was concerned with God’s honor. In this situation with Nabal he is only concerned for his own. The same courage that led a shepherd boy to face a giant with just a sling and stones devolved into the arrogance of a warrior willing to cut down innocent children in cold blood.

If we aren’t careful we can easily fall into the same trap.

Because the world is full of fools. Leaders who don’t listen to reason. Systems that defy common sense. Casual cruelty that leads to needless suffering. As followers of Jesus, we are called to confront foolishness, but we are not vindicated in taking revenge. In the end, God dealt with Nabal Himself, and He graciously used his wife Abigail to prevent David from shedding innocent blood.

If you want to know how to suffer fools, the Apostle Peter gives us the answer.

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)

Shawn

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