Walking with the Wise #487: Shunning Stupidity

“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?


There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
—Proverbs 26:12

The story of Nabal is the personification of today’s passage. We are introduced to Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 just after the death of Samuel. He is introduced as a successful businessman who is married to the smart and beautiful Abigail, but is considered to be a total jerk (1 Samuel 25:3).

David had been on the run from Saul, spending time in the wilderness of Paran. While in Paran, David’s men had met some employees of Nabal, and ended up helping them out by protecting them while they were on the job. Hearing that Nabal was shearing his sheep nearby, needing some food, and recognizing that his men had helped out Nabal considerably, he had his men approach Nabal about getting some food—a very reasonable request. He had undoubtedly heard about David’s kindness, but rather than help him out, he pretended to not even know who David was (1 Samuel 25:10).

In the ancient world, hospitality was, and is, highly esteemed. By refusing David’s request, he not only bucked the time-honored tradition of hospitality, but insulted him by pretending not to even know who he was. Informed of his response, David responded in anger, commanding 400 of his men to prepare to battle, promising to kill every single man in his household (1 Samuel 25:22).

Aware of their master’s foolishness (and aware of the probability of David’s response) Nabal’s servants quickly went to Abigail and told her what he had just done. Recognizing that her family was in danger, and wishing to pacify David, she prepared food for him and his men, then made her way in haste to head him off and hopefully rectify her husband’s stupidity.

Upon meeting David, she took the position of servitude, humbling herself, and then reasoned with David that God would make him victorious and it would be sinful for him to kill such a fool as her husband. David recognized she was right, agreed to spare Nabal, and then praised her for her wisdom.

Abigail made her way back home, waited for the right moment, and then informed Nabal about what he had just narrowly missed. Horrified, he had a stroke, and ten days later, died. Upon hearing of Nabal’s death, David had his men approach Abigail with a marriage proposal, which she gladly accepted, becoming David’s wife.

The example of Nabal is presented to us as a reminder that we can all be fools. A fool, like the proverb says, doesn’t care about what anybody else thinks, or what is the right thing to do. They are only looking to get ahead, and believe that they have all the answers. Nabal believed that he could skirt responsibility for supplying David with food, even when he had the means and reason to. He was a fool and there was no hope for him.

What can we learn from Nabal’s life? A few things—you can have money and still be a fool. Financial success doesn’t mean you are wise. Secondly, don’t try to get ahead without realizing you have a responsibility to help others. Thirdly, don’t think that you are smarter than you are. Be humble, realize that even the ability to make money is a gift from God (Deuteronomy 8:18). Always be ready to help others, understand that you are a steward and God has blessed you to be a blessing. And when you do this, you will discover the joy of doing what God has made, purposed, and commanded you to be and do—for His glory and your joy. Amen.