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  DAVID BEHAVED HIMSELF WISELY
  by F.B. Meyer
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Summary: Living a life in God is the key to true wisdom, which brings
benefits such as commending ourselves to men, rebuking and awe our foes,
and having a precious name.

Topics: "Divine Wisdom", "Character in Christ"
Scripture References: 1 Samuel 18:5, 1 Samuel 18:14-15, Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 5:16, Luke 2:52, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:17, James 1:5

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DESCRIPTION
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F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of behaving wisely as exemplified
by David in 1 Samuel. The repeated phrase highlights the importance of
divine prudence and the necessity of walking closely with God, allowing
His grace to shape our lives. A life lived in communion with God not
only earns the respect of others but also disarms jealousy and awe in
the face of adversaries. Meyer encourages believers to reflect on their
actions and character, ensuring they align with the honor of God's name.
Ultimately, wisdom from God is portrayed as a moral strength that
transcends mere intellect.

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CONTENT
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David behaved himself wisely. 1 Sam, xviii. 5, 14, 15, 30.

THERE must be some strong reason for the four‑fold repetition of
this phrase in so short a space. It is as though the Holy Ghost would
lay very distinct stress on the Divine prudence and circumspection,
which must characterise the man whose life is hid in God. Let us walk
with God, abiding in Him, subjecting our thoughts and plans to his,
communing about all things with Him, talking over our lives with Him,
before we go out to live them in the presence of our fellows. Then we
too shall have this gracious wisdom, which is more moral than
intellectual ‑‑ the product of the grace of God rather than
of human culture.

Our life shall commend itself to men (5). ‑‑ David's was
good in the sight of all the people, and more wonderful still, in the
sight of Saul's servants, who might have been jealous. A life lived in
God disarms jealousy and envy. He who, as a boy, did his Father's
business increased in wisdom, and in favour with God and men.

Our life shall rebuke and awe our foes (15). ‑‑ Saul stood
in awe of him. When traps and snares are laid for us we shall be enabled
to thread our way through them all, as Jesus did when they tried to
entangle Him in his talk. We shall have a wisdom which all our foes
together shall not be able to gainsay or resist.

Our name will be precious (30). ‑‑ People loved to dwell on
the name of David; it was much set by; they noticed and were impressed
with the beauty and nobility of his character. We must always view our
lives, amusements, and undertakings, in the light of the result which
will accrue to Him whose name it is our privilege to bear.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/fb-meyer/david-behaved-himself-wisely/
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