Good Understanding
“The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance…” 1 Samuel 25:3
I knew a beloved saint who was short in stature and “well nourished.” She was a gentle and a kind woman. She did her best work behind the scenes. She did not aspire to great things. Not many paid much attention to her. Yet her passion was to serve the Lord, to proclaim the gospel, and to intercede for others. Oh, the mighty things she wrought upon her knees!
She influenced those around her. She prayed for all she knew. She worked tirelessly and joyfully. And when I had a knotty problem, I wanted her to pray. Her prayers moved heaven.
As I read the story of David, Nabal and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, I see another woman who goes about life doing those things needed and yet does not receive great acclaim. She too was a woman of good understanding.
Think of what this wife of an irritable and arrogant man accomplished. Abigail saved Nabal’s life as she did the thing necessary to appease David’s anger. That was no small accomplishment. David suffered insult and scorning by this bad-tempered fool. By bringing her gifts to David and his men, she spared not only her family but her servants as well from a retaliatory raid by David.
And as if that was not achievement enough, she interceded on David’s behalf by counseling David to relent from taking vengeance and wreaking havoc by his own hand rather than leaving such things to God. She gently and wisely refocused David’s heart from an overzealous emotional response to submission to the Lord’s judgments.
It is not always the warrior who wins the battle. It is not always the rich man who gains honor. As women, we have a power of influence on those around us. Let our hearts be generous. Let us work with diligence. Let us sing praise to our God. Let us dig deep into the truths of God’s words. Let us pray without ceasing. Let us be women of good understanding!
“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20).
“I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation” (Psalm 119:99 ESV).
“I am Your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:125).
“For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding” (Psalm 47:7).
God will use us when anger threatens and foolishness would bring disaster. God will hear prayers and save lives. God will use our words of compassion and understanding to avert tragedy. He has placed each of us in a specific situation for greater purposes than we can imagine.
Father, grant us holy understanding, that we may serve You well. In all things may You be glorified. Amen.