Is your life dominated by fools or driven by wisdom?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Today, we begin a new chapter—1 Samuel 25. This one involves three characters: David, Nabal, and his wife, Abigail. You will see a warrior's anger, a fool's reckless pride, and a woman's humble wisdom. It will be easy to discern who is who in the story. Let’s read verses 1-3:

Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. — 1 Samuel 25:1-3

Samuel’s death marks the end of an era, signaling a shift in Israel’s leadership. This transition invites us to focus more tightly on David's leadership, which is still shaped by a lot of conflict on his way to becoming king. And in this chapter, we will see how David has to navigate a fool on his way to greater wisdom.

As we dive deeper into this chapter, we will see a sharp contrast between Nabal and Abigail. Nabal, a wealthy man, embodies foolishness—his very name means "Fool." In stark contrast, Abigail, his wife is a woman of wisdom and discernment. This story of David's encounter of this couple reveals profound truths about the nature of our human relationships.

So let me ask: Who are the Nabals and Abigails in your life?

Think about your own experiences. Who embodies the "Nabal" in your life? Perhaps it's a colleague whose arrogance frustrates you, a family member whose pride blinds them, or even a friend who dismisses your input. This week, consider how you typically react to these individuals. Are you quick to anger, or can you step back and respond differently?

Now, recall the "Abigail" in your life. Their discernment is rooted in humility and grace. Is there someone who approaches conflict with wisdom, patience, and understanding? This week, consider their wisdom and aim to embody their approach in your interactions.

Here's your three-part challenge today:

1. Identify: Take a moment to identify the names of the "Nabals" and "Abigails" in your life. Acknowledgment who they are.
2. Reflect: For each "Nabal," ask yourself two questions: What drives their behavior? How can I respond differently?
3. Act: This week, practice Abigail's humility and wisdom. When faced with a foolish act or a difficult conversation, pause, pray for wisdom, and respond with grace. You might be surprised by how your approach changes the dynamics of the relationships in your life.

Remember, you can choose wisdom over folly. Make it a week where you don’t just avoid fools and acting like a fool but actively fool the world with wisdom instead!

#WisdomOverFolly, #AbigailAndNabal, #DailyDevo

1. How can I respond with wisdom when confronted by a “Nabal” in my life?
2. What qualities of “Abigail” can I embody in my daily interactions?

Act with wisdom not as a fool.

Lord, help me recognize my life's "Nabals" and "Abigails" and guide my responses with wisdom and grace. May I embody the humility of Abigail and reflect Your love in all my interactions. Amen.

Christ Our Wisdom.