Words of Wisdom in Conflict | 1 Samuel 26:17-21

Have you ever found yourself in a conflict where emotions ran high, and the path to resolution felt unclear?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Today, Saul is going to respond to David, who is standing on the hill holding his weapon and water jug. Here is what happens next in verses 17-21:

Saul recognized David's voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the Lord, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” — 1 Samuel 26:17-21

David's statement to Saul includes curiosity about two items:

1. The injustice: What David has done to deserve the justice of the Lord's army?
2. The instigator: Who has stirred Saul to pursue him, God or man?

Thus, David's reconnaissance mission was not about stealing Saul's weapon and water but about using them to gain intelligence into the injustice and instigator of the current inquisition. David understood that sometimes the battles we fight are not wars fought with weapons but wars fought off with careful questions and inquisitive words.

In our own lives, we often find ourselves in similar situations. Maybe it's a conflict with a colleague or a misunderstanding with a friend or family member. The instinct is to react emotionally or defensively, but David shows us a different path. He chooses to address the issue head-on with wisdom.

When you are in a verbal skirmish, pause and ask yourself the same questions David did. First, identify the injustice: What is the injustice in this situation? What have I done or not done that has led us to this point? Second, seek to understand the instigator: Who or what is instigating this conflict? Has a fear or misunderstanding ignited the flames of conflict?

We can defuse situations by approaching conflicts with this wisdom before they escalate. Use thoughtful questions and words of mercy to seek clarity and understanding rather than allowing human emotions to guide your responses. David didn’t return anger for anger, and neither should you. Be inquisitive and let your words be infused with grace, aiming for reconciliation rather than division, vengeance, and war.

God, forgive me when I act with a vengeance. May my words and curiosity be filled with wisdom and mercy in every interaction today.

#ConflictResolution, #WisdomInAction, #GracefulCommunication

Ask This:

1. What steps can you take to approach conflicts with curiosity rather than defensiveness?
2. How can identifying the true instigator in a situation change your response?

Do This:

Seek wisdom and mercy in conflicts with intriguing questions.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to approach conflicts with a heart full of curiosity and grace, seeking understanding rather than division. May my words reflect Your wisdom and mercy in every interaction today. Amen.

Play This:

Kindness.