Abigail the wise

A wise person will think deeply and make right choices. 1 Samuel 25:3 - She (Abigail) was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man Nabal was churlish and evil in his doings: The followings are discussed: Harsh and Worthless Nabal; Intelligent and Discerning Abigail, and Nabal's Demise; Abigail Ascent

Harsh and Worthless Nabal: An individual can be described as being good or bad  by the attitude and behaviour he or she exhibits. Nabal was referred to as a worthless person as a result of wicked response to the needs of others. David had cared for Nabal before, but when he was in need and turned to Nabal, his request was turned down. Nabal didn't just turn down David's reasonable request, he rebuked those who brought the message (1 Samuel 25:2-9). David had instructed the men he sent to follow the rule of friendship and display courtesy required for approval from others. Rather than accepting the friendship greetings, Nabal acted as harsh and irresponsible person. Nabal wasn't like his wife who is described as beautiful and intelligent woman.

Nabal could have been expected to show hospitality and exhibit good character if he is traced to his ancestor Caleb, but he wasn't like Caleb. His rude and harsh response to a reasonable request was so annoying that David wanted to destroy his household( 1 Samuel 25:10-17). Without wasting time David had mobilised his men to go and confront Nabal. But one of Nabal's servants who understood the implication of his behaviour and the consequences it would bring upon the household went to Abigail and explained what had transpired to her. He believed she would remedy the situation by her good character. Abigail response showed she acted wisely. Foolish people often act without thinking about the consequences, but wise people value prudence in making decisions. Wisdom produces responses that honour God.

 Intelligent and Discerning Abigail: Abigail's response showed that she applied wisdom to avert serious devastation on the way to Nabal's  household (1 Samuel 25:18-31). She approached David in Humility, affirming Nabal's wrong doing, and distancing herself from such actions. She displayed good manner of approach and expressed good character that caused David to change his mind and stop the revenge mission. She also reminded David what God said concerning his  house, that David should endure, trust in God, and watch as God would fight and promote him. She ended her speech with a request that David should remember her when God had blessed him.  Abigail's speech and action demonstrated exceptional wisdom, knowledge and self-control. Her good character and wisdom can be associated with close relationship with God. We should turn to God for guidance and divine direction.

David recognised Abigail's counsel and thanked God for sending her to him. He discovered that her action affirmed the will of God. She had intervened and averted disaster that would have ensued and caused suffering and losses if David had lashed out in anger (1 Samuel 25:32-35). Wise counsel saves lives. Christians should follow the example of David to embrace wise counsel and resolve issues before they raise dust. To do this, we must be ready to accept wisdom from others. Accepting wisdom from others requires humility.

Nabal's Demise; Abigail's Ascent: Nabal's action resulted in his death. He was holding a lavish banquet when Abigail returned. She could not discussed all that had transpired that night because Nabal was heavily drunk. When Abigail confessed what she had done Nabal's heart failed and ten days later he died (1 Samuel 25:36-39). David interpreted Nabal's death as an act of God's vengeance. Nabal was troubled and suffered heart attack when he heard Abigail's report. Our attitudes and behaviours can affect our health. A person filled with hatred and anger will often be disturbed emotionally and spiritually. He will also create and suffer physical problems.

Abigail's wisdom was rewarded when David asked her to become his wife. She was eventually united with the person that would become the king. Humility and good character paved the way of honour for her. Wisdom brings good rewards, and wisest decision is a decision made to follow Christ and walk in the light of God. Lesson texts: 1 Samuel 25:1- 42.