THURSDAY September 5, 2019

Honesty and Humility

Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant. Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him! But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.”
1 Samuel 25:23-25

Notice the humility of Abigail. She bowed down to the ground in humility before David. Abigail was a very humble woman. She even took the blame: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be!” David took notice of her humble character. Abigail was not boisterous or insistent. She did not try to take command; she remained calm, meek, temperate––beautiful.

When Abigail was before David, she spoke honestly to David about the situation. She was truthful and straightforward about what had happened. She explained to David the kind of man she was married to––he was so difficult––foolish. Her husband was a foolish scoundrel. Nabal never consulted with Abigail about David’s request for supplies––it was kept from her. Nabal did whatever he wanted to do. If only Abigail had known, she would have intervened, and things might have been different.

Some women are married to very difficult husbands––fools. Others are married to godly men who are not perfect. If your husband has a problem with anger, use your words carefully. The tone of your words is important, be like Abigail; speak the truth in love, and, in an attitude of humility, attempt to be a calming effect on your husband’s disposition. Understand, harsh words will only make the situation worse.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
~Proverbs 15:1-2~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!