David and his four hundred men descended like a swarm while Nabal, whose name meant fool, partied in ignorance. Nabal earlier rebuffed David’s messengers when they asked for provisions, after a long winter of protecting Nabal’s herds and showing kindness to Nabal’s employees. Nabal’s hateful stinginess promised the destruction of him and his people.

But before the riot kicked off Abigail, the wife of Nabal, intervened. Carrying loads of food, she met David and his men on the trail. She begged forgiveness and complimented David.

I read and listen to great speeches sometimes. I’m interested in how others use words. I’m impressed by phrases that make a point or turn an argument.

Abigail considered her audience. She told David, the lives of your enemies God will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. Abigail cleverly referenced David’s victory over Goliath as she pleaded with him to avoid senseless bloodshed.

Not many wiser speeches exist in scripture. Abigail averted a disaster, and impressed David so much that he married Abigail after the death of her husband.

Zillions of words fly around in our day, yet so few of them settle as wise. I pray for more of Abigail’s spirit as I write and talk and interact with others.

1 Samuel 25 in week eighteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Read more about Abigail in Seers, Sayer, Schemers & Saints

Photo by Jessica Da Rosa