1 Samuel 17

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVII.—It was a great mercy that God suspended this invasion till Saul had recovered from his distraction, and David was prepared to encounter this giant. And often, though unnoticed, God manifests peculiar mercy in the timing of our troubles. Pride naturally establishes itself upon bulk, bodily strength, and other weak endowments of human nature: and, relying upon these, the enemies of God earnestly watch for advantages against his people. But when God leaves them to themselves, not only individuals but armies become mean spirited and terrified on every approach of danger: their strength is turned into weakness, and their courage into shame. If we would be good soldiers of Jesus Christ, it is necessary that we endure hardness: and it bodes well when God endows us with a deep regard for his honour. Yet how often those, whom God calls out to glorious exploits, meet with much discouragement from a carnal world; particularly their own relations. But let them in patience possess their souls, and in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves.—A soft answer turneth away wrath. And we must not be discouraged in well-doing because our good intentions are misrepresented and abused. What God has done for us ought to be improved, as an encouragement to do more and more for him at his call. They are well armed that go forth with a good conscience in a good cause. The righteous are bold as a lion; but they need never be ashamed of an honest calling, however mean. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The curse that is causeless falls on the head of him that utters it; and the presumption of the proud destroys him. How vain is the arm of flesh against the power of God! The mightiest enemies are easily defeated when we go forth against them strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might! while they who trust in man find their dependance at last but as a broken reed. It is not high birth, but deeds of high desert that constitute true nobility. But of how little avail is the notice of earthly courts, where one may be so soon forgotten, or so quickly hated!