1 Samuel 18.
A TIME of success is often dangerous. David had just returned with the head of Goliath in his hand, amidst the applause of the people. But at this season, it is four times recorded that he “behaved himself wisely.” We find the secret of this wise behavior in verse 14. “David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.” The presence of the Lord was the secret power that produced the outward results. A due sense of the Lord’s presence with us will ever work in us a holy watchfulness and a dependent spirit. His presence demands holiness, and a good conscience alone enables us to “give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.”
After the wondrous victory wrought by God through David, he still occupies a lowly place. There is no puffing up. “I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed” (ver. 23). Neither the disdain of the Philistine nor the flattering song of the women who ascribed unto David “ten thousands” distracted the soul of the man who had the Lord with him. Those who humble themselves under the mighty hand of God can well afford to await His “due time” for their exaltation (1 Pet. 5).
David’s holy bearing, however, kindled the anger of Saul, and led him to seek his life. It also produced respect and fear, for “when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely he was afraid of him.”
How constantly is this principle found true. The man who is walking closely with God has a moral power about him that will soon make itself felt. It is wonderful how the space is cleared around such an one. If it stir up enmity (as will surely often be the case, for we serve a rejected Saviour), it will also produce a degree of fear in the adversary. In this case Saul was not ignorant of the cause of his fear. We read (verse 28), “Saul saw and know that the Lord was with David” and the result is again given in the next verse: He was “yet the more afraid of David, and became his enemy continually.”
May we be found in this place of dependence and meekness, continuing in prayer and watching in the same with thanksgiving. It is the path of true blessing for ourselves and those around us.
After a fourth mention of David’s wise behaviour, the chapter ends, “so that his name was much set by.” There has been one perfect Example here below, Who indeed “behaved Himself wisely in a perfect way.” His Name is precious and much set by. We are to follow in His steps, Who could say, “I have set the Lord always before me” (Psa. 16.) Thus, as in the presence of the Lord, we shall be enabled to behave ourselves wisely, and to walk in wisdom toward them that are without. The meekness of wisdom will be shown out of a good conversation (James 3:1313Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)). True, some “Saul” may “eye us from that day forward,” but our judgment is with the Lord, and we “ serve the Lord Christ.”