Today’s devotion comes from 2 Samuel 19:1-15. Here is a link to this Scripture – 2 Samuel 19 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway
I quote only the following verses.
“Then it was told Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourns for Absalom.” The victory that day was turned to mourning for all the people, for the people heard it said that day, “The king is grieved for his son.” So the people went by stealth into the city that day, as people who are humiliated steal away when they flee in battle. The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Then Joab came into the house to the king and said, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased. Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.”
So the king arose and sat in the gate. When they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate,” then all the people came before the king.” 2 Samuel 19:1-8.
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Joab scolded David. Joab warned David. Joab advised David.
But, David did not say: “Thanks.” David did not tell Joab what he would do. David merely arose and sat in the gate.
But, good things began to happen for David. The people began to restore David to being king.
There are lessons for us today.
Like Joab, we may not receive thanks or even acknowledgement from others that they will heed our word. But, the result may be good.
Like David, sometimes we may not feel like saying anything or doing anything. But sometimes, it is a good enough start for us, so to speak to get the ball rolling, to arise and go somewhere public and sit. Others may also come to us and help us.
As the following Scriptures exhort us and encourage us, we should listen to counsel, heed reproof, and humble ourselves.
“The wise of heart will receive commands,
But a babbling fool will be ruined.” Proverbs 10:8.
“Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.” Proverbs 10:14.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 12:15.
“He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20.
“Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days.” Proverbs 19:20.
“31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
Will dwell among the wise.
32 He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:31-33.
“8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,
Reprove a wise man and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:8-12.
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